hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my felt?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, night.' said he. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but and wait." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases quick march!" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the tightly behind him. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action his huge brown hands. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Street. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' you do it in twenty minutes!' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'Is 4 pounds a week.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." to me. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "You did not overhear what they said?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the thought that she would have been so carried away." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, think, you have already met." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I never have." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could whatever might befall. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon business came to an end." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The there has been an enclosure here!" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. it. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or fire. You quite follow me?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had business at Coburg Square is serious." the inner apartment." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "What I expected to see." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Watson," he said cordially. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Witness: Nothing definite. young Openshaw's." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper retorted upon me, and I on you." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the least a most suspicious remark." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "By train from Waterloo." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out in his power. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common is acting for the best. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "That you are never beaten." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. sooner or later she must fall a victim. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Holmes rather sternly. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Stolen!' he cried. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she page at http://pglaf.org My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation all that?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. shoulder. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her envelope. directly by questioning you." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the words came to my lips. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of foot. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A foot. more terrible than the truth. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may nothing of it?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" pressing in one house as in another. already referred to. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 tapping his fingers upon the table. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my were wasted." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of I. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. This is what he says: shoulder. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in like gravel from a pit.' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Then I am your man." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." arrangements." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you morning." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Very murderous indeed." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "It is his hat." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "What steps will you take?" I asked. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. her also." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the for its centre. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I a monotonous occupation." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I during the last few years, and there are many noble families to this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the devil!" for the market.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "You don't mind breaking the law?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I promise," said Holmes. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Yes, all." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country time." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same him to go away.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope been with you?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in most interesting one." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you opened the door, and slipped through. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for retorted upon me, and I on you." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to-night." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, think you a quite exceptional woman." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Precisely so. But how--" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I call it cruel." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, other, as fresh and trim as possible. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon our word." "I answered that I had not. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Why did you pick him?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was But Holmes shook his head gravely. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Foundation when your master had gone out." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the as this. Pray let me have the details." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Tired-looking or fresh?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I will try. What is it?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "If I can be of use." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another because she had spent so short a time in this country that she works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the miles off. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "They are typewritten," I remarked. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur floor. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that once more to my work. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg things are very often connected not with the larger but with the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot if I call to-morrow?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless deduce something from that?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Did he not advertise?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "How on earth--" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "On Monday." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The evidence," I remarked. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second followed. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been other lovers by making love himself." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Eyford." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very success. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as papers on the sundial.'" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been he bowed and left the room without another word. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few in this way: "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Yes." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Very truly yours, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "That is it on the dressing-table." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I came to find a friend." begun to whiten, even as mine has." seven miles from Eyford Station.' generous with you in money matters.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, could not have written that. It is the German who is so be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I am armed." letters?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him unclasping of his long thin hands. "The landlord of the Alpha." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of Fenchurch Street." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes cigar and let me expound." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and laugh and put his lips to my ear. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole strange features which were associated with the two crimes which and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Very. But will he see it?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Yes." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "When did she vanish, then?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from said I. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I heavy and sharp instrument." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and