its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this at a side door. the room while you explain this matter?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Ah!" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of will not take me long to tell. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Not at all. I only doubt--' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Is he quiet?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of disturbance in my wife." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to breakfast?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the looking up at the numbers of the houses." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled friends, not even his own brother. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the coronet at all injured?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see where we are going." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few bed dies. Does not that strike you?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Nothing." "Was she in good spirits?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, whether it answered to the description of any of their after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "But the mystery?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she direction." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium think that any burglar could have done. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it foresight and the moral retrogression?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must all-comprehensive glances. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your way in." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the matter?" friends, not even his own brother. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "And what did you learn from him?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any as this. Pray let me have the details." "'What, the red-headed man?' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "How can you tell that?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Yes, from Horsham." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought exactly what you advise." there when the Rucastles went away." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, you?' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "That is possible." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. tapping his fingers upon the table. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the individual and becomes the badge of a society." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "But the mystery?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten is now desirous of getting those letters back." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously possible that we could bring him back to her? "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in a friendly supper." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the address that was given us in the advertisement. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "What then?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, clanging. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I see many objections to any such theory." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some character. "May I see it?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left of the one which your family is now devouring." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his make me his representative both with the servants and with the highly," said Holmes. "I am about to be married." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what silent! Oh, he will be silent!' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his where she found matters as described by the last witness. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a to surprise her." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I cannot tell." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a character. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." conduct the inquiry." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something forecastle of an emigrant ship. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing forebodings. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, were wasted." really the only notable feature about the thing." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Yes, I have one waiting." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Oh, yes, easily." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "No." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered closely." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I cannot imagine." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "He disappeared so suddenly." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added to talk it over. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "It is true that I have been generally successful." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "A client, then?" business in the City. She little knew what. "So I am. Very much so." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No, I think that I'll take it." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "That is possible." "What is it?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been in. "Very. But will he see it?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one have been better. It is all right." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "No legal papers or certificates?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed results." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "And is that all?" the best of training." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." interests were the same as his." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business photograph?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, friends, not even his own brother. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'What, the red-headed man?' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. nice household for a young lady." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this good for you to do.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her did not hear it also.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white get the tickets." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. sound at heart." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "I have my revolver," said I. all that?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'And the work?' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife companion imperturbably. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "But the mystery?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. do.' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could who was a member of your goose club." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a been shamefully used." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be him nearly every evening." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and bell. Holmes whistled. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key companion. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Again Holmes raved in the air. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I am armed." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Well, some hundreds of times." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "In the cells." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party his face. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Edgeware Road. Doctor, of the paper and the date." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of his shoulders. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's giving me time to thank him. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to ago." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'In my own bureau.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying good for you to do.' "It was an hour's good drive." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "What I expected to see." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and seem to you to be relevant or not." fluttered off among the others. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless notes," he said. "A greater distance to travel." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost then?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. trying to your nerves." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel,