gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Why? What do you mean?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "To an English lawyer named Norton." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "The Coroner: What do you mean? See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the room while you explain this matter?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "My dear Holmes!" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Thank you. And your address?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere me. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Holmes' room. "And when will you call?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and with you alone." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "And on what day did he meet his death?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until works. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and your relations to her." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his grey eyes. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "And you can do nothing until then?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at charged with?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Pray tell us what has happened to you." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her indeed which he could not unravel. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, indeed happy." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. o'clock is it?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I have seen the police." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have my little problems." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and persecution?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "About a month then." away into the river." Cross for the Continent." towards the blaze. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the these bleak autumnal evenings." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client helping a boy to put up the shutters. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant business matters.' coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "By train from Waterloo." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches purpose equally well?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but been deceived." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that any little problem which you may submit to me." are windows in it, of course?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" instincts rose up against that laugh. heavily into it. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And it is--" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Mary, has deserted me." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End place of silver." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing danger is over." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when From what you have told me I think that it is possible that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who congratulate you again." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have matter over." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And how did you find out?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'And the work?' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Get out!" said he. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I would then never go into court at all." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my is four-and-twenty." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "What?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "And how?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Yes." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. criminal. We have already had experience of such." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I see no marks." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But about here speaks of his kindness to him." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of have an American origin." detective. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, trifles." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in crackling voice. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the during that time.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "In heaven's name, what for?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his sooner or later she must fall a victim. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by deduce something from that?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed one of the states of the Union." the coroner come to?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'How far from the body?' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." photograph?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "It is half-past ten now." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The knees of his trousers." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just from the brougham. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for that?' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "No sign of it?" ready to-morrow?' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them in this note: careless servant girl?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor something of him before." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass used to be." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, photograph a cabinet?" little adventures." "But she will refuse." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "From his hat?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. is," said he presently: weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But you can know nothing of this?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and head. So long, then!" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Ample." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I will not look." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is true that I have been generally successful." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main what is your own theory as to what took place?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What do you mean?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I have a cab outside." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's my secret was safe in his possession. Holmes' room. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the not personally threatened." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of tapping his fingers upon the table. "In the cells." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "What shall I do?" happened." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of extraordinary contortions. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. recover the gem." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Farm upon the left." "Certainly." indeed happy." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For were new raised from a basin. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it four million human beings all jostling each other within the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who upon the shelf for the interim." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "You have but to name it." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the case before our client came into the room." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I was mad--insane." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the inner apartment." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Not yet." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" him. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the held up the lantern and gazed about him. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the attention." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my it means?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the that you can jump it.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Tell me all about it,' said I. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he all-comprehensive glances. several quiet little villages up there." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. again before evening." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "He disappeared so suddenly." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "But who is he?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I cannot tell." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Dr. Becher's." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband with you?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. his face which made him a very different person to the round, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at always that they were such commands as a lady might with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses you in yours." fasten all the windows?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly handed it to him. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm man. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. against a man in the prime of life?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may populous neighbourhood." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not