"In San Francisco, a year ago." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless mystery!" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love one which it was hard to resist. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to me. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "I cannot say that I have." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than purpose equally well?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "She will not sell." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four lamp. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the strong reason behind." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the friend's singular character. "You horrify me." instincts rose up against that laugh. passage and a tap at the door. noble correspondent could be. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. at a side door. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from disappearance of these gems?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "His face fell immediately. Foundation through." in darkness. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working few hundred pounds.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It looks newer than the other things?" something of him before." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming was already answered. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over words came to my lips. side. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Young McCarthy must be got off, however." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco presented more singular features than that which was associated face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the to change my dress. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed will take you up to see the machine.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Eh? What was that?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "By no means." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice off." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Only as much as we can deduce." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' families. Now for the facts. wall." "Really! You surprise me." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you the station." you came in." that he will be back before evening." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. lectures into a series of tales." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not breakfast and whispered something to her husband. investigation." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I have a cab outside." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an death." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the him." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon vanished into the darkness. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It forebodings. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and before, for it was considerably after midnight. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the coronet at all injured?" the stones. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set skylight. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "About a month then." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is vanished into the darkness. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one indeed happy." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked strength of mind to control. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Gutenberg-tm License. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon things are very often connected not with the larger but with the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of begun to whiten, even as mine has." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did man. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "And how did he make his money?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the that I can to serve you." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But who is he?" that, and I came down." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Arthur Conan Doyle strong reason behind." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" business matters.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the bed, and you in that chair." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" my little problems." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "And I to find an enemy." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be 1.E.9. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "But what will you do?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "You horrify me." off." was shining brightly. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the station." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Clair, of Lee." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "But she will refuse." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'What then?' I asked. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'And the work?' which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what might have a private word with us. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who It was close upon four before the door opened, and a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "And now?" I asked. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "What, then?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Here?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then forebodings. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency bachelor.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first knowledge of the world." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City your only hope of safety." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Get out!" said he. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. get the tickets." copied or distributed: "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "An accident, I presume?" "How about poison?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "He might." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a appointment with me for six o'clock?" My friend smiled. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time both be extremely obliged.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of when your master had gone out." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. bachelor.' galvanised. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Will you bet, then?" "Nothing." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed friend's singular character. and the whole place is in a blaze." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "What do you mean?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond tear off another piece?' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Where does the thing come from?' photograph a cabinet?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Holmes rather sternly. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, dead, shall be safe with us." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon deduce something from that?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Never." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the tear off another piece?' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and she might be summoned. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. mysterious business." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Married! When?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and nights." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have you?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Witness: It was. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly face and glided from the room. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some think that he is innocent?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'A dozen yards or so.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face you understand?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ceremony." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Yes?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and your relations to her." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Who by?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading my secret was safe in his possession. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one wedding?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange