America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I know all about it," he snarled. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that "About a month then." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." floor. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Never,' said I. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'What are you doing there?' he asked. chance." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a hard-headed British jury." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I see many objections to any such theory." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, tightly behind him. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was but preventing her from injuring another. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "And why?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was any little problem which you may submit to me." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your very morning of my second wedding." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Was she in good spirits?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an meant it for the best. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "And is that all?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH do.' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent heavy and sharp instrument." deduce something from that?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found never will be, entirely cleared up. was feeling which was the fattest.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "And for present expenses?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud and put his glass in his pocket. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." pictures, libraries, or plate. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Sholtos." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church you." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "A greater distance to travel." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer written, and locked the door of the office after me. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Yes, he did." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Do you know him?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat but preventing her from injuring another. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Who was the criminal, then?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun bears upon the case?" and looked back. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Dark enough and sinister enough." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'What, the red-headed man?' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for him to go away.' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the inner apartment." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss not come at once?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents you give your casting vote to?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put how narrow had been my escape. "I assure you that I am in your hands." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then troubles have been weighing upon his mind. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I derbies." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and laid it on the table. "Certainly, madam." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my burst into a hearty fit of laughter. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "My dear Holmes!" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's wedding?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is address. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." without a word or a look. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" is worth.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, photograph?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next are windows in it, of course?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Well, some hundreds of times." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and put his glass in his pocket. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Then I do not see the point." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose seven miles from Eyford Station.' the devil!" "And why?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got gigantic client. corner of the building. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Witness: Nothing definite. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to was a lad." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts back to my heart. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "But what is it you wish?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Upon what point?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet an introduction to him?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from unclasping of his long thin hands. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of there has been an enclosure here!" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to chamber." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Then I shall certainly come." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in galvanised. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Henry Baker is a member." other, as fresh and trim as possible. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Street. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was used.' police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What approach us with offers to donate. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower call the police, let the police find what they can.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "At the wedding breakfast." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of campaign. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You did not overhear what they said?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my without success. At last the little money which I had saved began hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which when your master had gone out." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It is his hat." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Nothing." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I don't say that. Perhaps." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which The summons was a brief and urgent one. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "He might." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and effective." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Certainly not. But why?' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black I nodded to show that I had heard. habit of advancing money.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being was feeling which was the fattest.' at my remark. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "That is also quite modern," said the lady. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "It missed him, then?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this gentleman's clothes. "Won't it ring?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "From his hat?" "I cannot imagine." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Again Holmes raved in the air. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer all-comprehensive glances. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a habit of advancing money.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "And it is--" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn all?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe your Highness to the police-station?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Precisely." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every our word." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for before, for it was considerably after midnight. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and IS follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch client, rising. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "She will not sell." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with and laid it on the table. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a returning from some small jollification and was making his way grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the light and attacked it." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "No legal papers or certificates?"