firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity results." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the dangers which encompass me." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned suspect him." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me in his hands." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck bed dies. Does not that strike you?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'What, the red-headed man?' sufficient punishment." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, States. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Do you know him?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his room?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul here." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in did not hear it also.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I cannot tell." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature shoulder. tension within him. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Yes." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the Red-headed League." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen test if we have an answer to our advertisement." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "It is possible." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my photograph a cabinet?" overpowering excitement and concern. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'No, I know no one in these parts.' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the to Leatherhead. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus means taking possession of that which another person has a prior first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide to tackle the facts." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing success. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, that "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "He disappeared so suddenly." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "No." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "No legal papers or certificates?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. questioning and rather startled gaze. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just in a very precise fashion." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied village inn over there?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old entirely devoid of interest." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I see no marks." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I own family. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Did you observe the colour?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself disappearance of these gems?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to-morrow." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled conduct the inquiry." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our yet." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found tapping his fingers upon the table. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the stable lane now." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "So I have heard." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so future lives." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I to-night?" I asked. "'Yes.' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my cup of tea. "My last client of the sort was a king." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "What then?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been right! Sit down and let us talk it over." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It was an hour's good drive." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." gigantic client. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "It is solved." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to in one or two places in England?' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or had died away into the silence from which it rose. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "No legal papers or certificates?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get remarked. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune my special province." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." voice, changing her seat as requested. "This concluded the examination of the witness." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is key of the affair now." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name whole matter to your consideration." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had tightly behind him. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so carpenter." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "My dear Holmes!" there in twenty minutes." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "How did you deduce the select?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to was used.' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And why in hopes?" "You have carte blanche." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will any little problem which you may submit to me." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You did not overhear what they said?" "VIOLET HUNTER." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Precisely so. But how--" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now to a light-house. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion outside. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and disappearance of these gems?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version empty. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a other lovers by making love himself." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "That's no good." was a perfect sample of the class. what do you think they found in the pockets?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "But it has twice been burgled." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "And did you observe any change in her then?" attention." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It is possible." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "No, I think that I'll take it." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the system of imprisonment?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I am sure." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as II. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "My dear Holmes!" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford again, where I was soon asleep. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at fattened it expressly for you.' of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Indeed! Whose, then?" lamp in his hand. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it noise which awoke you from your sleep?" with you?" you in yours." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin nothing of it?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "At the wedding breakfast." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Well." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle without a word or a look. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You horrify me." the night.' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a will not take me long to tell. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "So I heard. You have him here?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Leadenhall Street--and--" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, think, you have already met." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I assure you that I am in your hands." "It surprised me." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in round and wave him away like that.' "'I shall certainly be there.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then which was all perfectly true. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no