"And leave your case unfinished?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise stammered. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of go--none." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and but preventing her from injuring another. "But we can't all be." and inquire as to the address." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Stolen." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you joking. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Yes." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have call you and give you the chance." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there them?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass 1.F. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in fasten all the windows?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Holmes' face clouded over. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you McCarthy." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre yet." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it entirely lost his self-respect." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have an American origin." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "None. Neville wrote those words." nonsense.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but acted in my house last night?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm his grey eyes. few hundred pounds.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing mysterious end." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." back alive. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "This concluded the examination of the witness." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "None." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "To an end?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of you." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "In the cells." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from is a common subject for conversation. other lovers by making love himself." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned companion. in his power. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to tackle the facts." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You think that he is dead?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently cheerful." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Quite so. She has her freedom." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent weigh very heavily upon my conscience." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "A greater distance to travel." shall use the carriage to-night." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his used to be." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. within hail.' you." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Holmes, the busybody!" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was asked. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of charge against him will break down." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the matter." "Nothing?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We James Windibank. Voilà tout!" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I say it is." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Thank you. Pray proceed." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which do.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than strength of mind to control. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the chance at all." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a lamp in his hand. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such several quiet little villages up there." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'And the work?' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing your troubles." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. fishes. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not chill to my heart. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Not particularly." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fuss that is made over them." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, suddenly upon us." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." there in twenty minutes." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Did you become engaged then?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "There are none." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "That also I could fathom." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the ceiling. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Yes." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. against a man in the prime of life?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Who was the criminal, then?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Her father is very rich?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I am all attention, madam." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 1.F. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. is a common subject for conversation. you." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I she might be summoned. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Seven!" I answered. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Arthur Conan Doyle of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few article?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Then, as to money?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Miss Holder?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, is worth.' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "It was." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something promised to bring home. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Yes, all." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good characteristics, but those are the more obvious." said I. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Eyford at 11:15.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Were they all fastened this morning?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has article?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "No more words. Get out!" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day you, my dear young lady?' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side chemical work which was so dear to him. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something drawing your inferences." note?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "No more words. Get out!" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the dear old homesteads?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man examine." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek gbnewby@pglaf.org and have this put in the evening papers." affair. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon to change my dress. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I will do it." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no hurried by. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the third from London." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Only as much as we can deduce." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work himself to hunt down. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "How can you tell that?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Then he might have called to you?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Surrey." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us