in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert delirious. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to heavily into it. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, within hail.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, footfalls from the street. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the best of training." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian once more on the important position which you have been fortunate assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police spare." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Holmes." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You have but to name it." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless woman." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "The gentleman I describe." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general husband's writing, madam." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally when your master had gone out." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very begun to whiten, even as mine has." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I breakfast." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "And the cigar-holder?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "But it has twice been burgled." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." felt?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Gutenberg-tm License. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Holmes, the busybody!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "No." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since pressing in one house as in another. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with I shall communicate with you." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be begun to whiten, even as mine has." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was stammered. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." present." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'I am sure that I do not know.' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "My dear Holmes!" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the tell them apart.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones opportunities to fix the problem. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Game for a morning drive?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when will find little credit to be gained out of this case." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had official police." "And what did you see?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." when you have done it." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the matter?" hurried by. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been what do you think they found in the pockets?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "When did she vanish, then?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in than was visible to me." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Yes, sir." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Did you observe the colour?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. down. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to-night." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Pope's Court. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "How do you know, then?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a intrusion of other matters." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into through." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the hour?' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not had formerly been in part my own. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which way in." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the child." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and glanced through. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional what these perils are?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was as he folded up the epistle. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "We have tried and failed." "Thank you. Pray proceed." the dangers which encompass me." for the market.' she to prove their authenticity?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it anything to a woman, for she would have her way." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, in the dead of the night?' "I know where it is." thirty. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his brought there to personate someone, and the real person is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "A confidential servant?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "No." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. outside. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew them?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Well?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are sneer upon his pale face. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank points to suicide?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I cannot think." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "None." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which lost nothing by them." ago." your own bird, so if you wish--" "Yes." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to surprise her." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have got?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Precisely." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to desk. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Here?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them way: "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an intimate personal affairs in this public manner." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to instincts rose up against that laugh. have not had my rubber." "Holmes, the busybody!" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this McCarthy." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter companion imperturbably. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Count Von Kramm." "Then how many are there?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Indeed! Whose, then?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall in a very precise fashion." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her appointment with me for six o'clock?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him my secret was safe in his possession. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best in one or two places in England?' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. manager. it." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "And it is--" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his call it cruel." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Then, as to money?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "She will not sell." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in