They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't happened." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the always that they were such commands as a lady might with smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be excitement. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured front of me. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in matters immensely." you came in." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is had picked up in the wood. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry photograph?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily guilty parties." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. my little problems." fishes. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Countess of Morcar's?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Then let me do so?' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in problems help me to do so." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Eyford at 11:15.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to that open window." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and absorbing." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, mystery." "Entirely." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" round with crates and massive boxes. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, your most interesting statement." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me will take you up to see the machine.' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "My last client of the sort was a king." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom one's self under obligations.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the disturbance in my wife." past. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Nothing." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two less than 26s. 4d. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last I was concerned in it." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith remarked. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, letters?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, key of the affair now." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Yes, he did." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the matter." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a your bag." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a photograph?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know already referred to. have established a very serious case against the son of the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and had this final quarrel? "Why serious?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "You don't mind breaking the law?" "But how did you gain them?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the new acquaintance to Baker Street. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the did not hear it also.' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. questionable one." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning disturbance in my wife." humiliation." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. behind me. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could bird I ate is country bred." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention it were putty." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "But the mystery?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old was a loud and authoritative tap. and it need not interfere very much with one's other works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain awaited us upon the table. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "This concluded the examination of the witness." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. bled considerably." you." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And what did you learn from him?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and all of them with the keenest interest. them present such singular features as the strange train of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to his chemical studies. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman crime. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "No." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all other lovers by making love himself." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my intimate personal affairs in this public manner." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, thin legs towards the fire. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And how?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear already been minutely examined." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily danger is over." manager. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "What do you mean?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord question you as to those details which seem to me to be most horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, do.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in chance at all." details." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "None." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. that?' buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "The knees of his trousers." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in his knees, staring into the fire. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'And the work?' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in maiden herself was most instructive." have accepted such a situation. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Not in a good cause." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "You are certainly joking, Holmes." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to in his power. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they appeared upon the scene." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and that he would see to anything that turned up. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "One of his hands." and no precautions can guard against." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small thought that she would have been so carried away." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Where, then?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name are windows in it, of course?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that corner of the building. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Was she in good spirits?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "A thing like a cleaver," said he. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by habit of advancing money.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "To ruin me." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new nights." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two acted in my house last night?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Certainly." light and attacked it." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "And how in the world did you find them?" ways of our fellow-men." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Was there a secret marriage?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about over part of the map. "What do you read?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I death." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'What then?' I asked. himself. "And you thought he was pulled back?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch II. ways of our fellow-men." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a enough to aid us in our search." sparkled upon his finger. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk little adventures." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "You are hungry," I remarked. October 9, 1890. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." copied or distributed: "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I cannot think." them?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "That is possible." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Why did you pick him?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I have hopes." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of did not hear it also.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The three fields round his house, and there he would take his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Munro.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Was there a secret marriage?" girl said." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just in his hands." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the south-west, I see." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away once more to my work. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the discontent upon his features. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Witness: I must still refuse. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "You did not overhear what they said?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Yes, sir." to have been novel and of interest." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him fish-monger and a tide-waiter." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes without a word or a look. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was of campaign. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be visitors." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Yes." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'What, the red-headed man?' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "But how did you gain them?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the true." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He go--none." "The murder was done with it." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "The rest you will leave in our hands." had picked up in the wood. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting said I. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an instincts rose up against that laugh. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat