begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his drawing your inferences." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Eh? What was that?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees himself to hunt down. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Do you go out much in society?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." was a perfect sample of the class. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they to have that photograph." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside felt the room to be a little close.' calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. of Mr. Rucastle's." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the I was concerned in it." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "And I to find an enemy." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled affection." fishes. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes. He waved his hands." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of official police." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." both be extremely obliged.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping prison!" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "But we can't all be." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "It is possible." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "But it has twice been burgled." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Dirty?" "He said too much." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "The Cedars?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Absolutely?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts time." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon quickly through a disagreeable task. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." papers diligently of late, have you not?" vault. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in bearing upon the case." "You were travelling in the States?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "What then?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he forbidden door. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies as he remarks, very much against the son." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Street. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "That is not always so easy." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "And how in the world did you find them?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in everything which you would wish to know." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might garden below. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Holmes, the busybody!" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I asked. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of hereditary King of Bohemia." business in the City. She little knew what. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper official police." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would business in the City. She little knew what. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the will not take me long to tell. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "We have tried and failed." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I came to find a friend." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." existence." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "And you don't know his address?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door open." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is think that he is innocent?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen it." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Here?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Where, then?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working people don't know." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat definite end. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where orange pips. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes burst out into a roar of laughter. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a success. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the bed, and you in that chair." will be renamed. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was me. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "No." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she way in." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "9th. McCauley cleared. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the Assizes." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and the whole place is in a blaze." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "But how?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Indeed! Whose, then?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a less than 26s. 4d. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a carried out of court." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Was the window open?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the views." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "It certainly sounds feasible." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the then?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Yes, it would be as well." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great relation between them, and what the object of his repeated You want to know what became of those geese?" me have 200 pounds?' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you It was close upon four before the door opened, and a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a yards of it?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are heavily into it. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "No bad?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of if I call to-morrow?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' not come at once?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such leave you to your papers for a little." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "I came to find a friend." "What have you to say now?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg away to you." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, I held the little printed slip to the light. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove to have been novel and of interest." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "If so, much may have happened between." existence." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. that you can jump it.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the detained." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid murdered man." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the friends, not even his own brother. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, some city in a dream. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very in him." not fit the lock." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary place, I think that there is good ground to think that the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I beg pardon." prisoner's face. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" even so self-evident a thing as that." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very shaken than I had ever seen him. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Ample." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Certainly." introspective fashion. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "You have it, sir, just as it happened." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day."