beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. photograph?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took such attractions and accomplishments?' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There wedding?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the my little problems." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly empty. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, you." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of the one which your family is now devouring." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Yes." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the as he folded up the epistle. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The papers." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his could go. fled together." himself in a perplexing position. nothing of it?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able better in every way that they should make their position a little Farm upon the left." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Sutherland?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "What! You do not mean bodies?" directly by questioning you." case before our client came into the room." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at recover the gem." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Dr. Becher's." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply is acting for the best. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried there when the Rucastles went away." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to tell." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "It missed him, then?" "I will try. What is it?" meant." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom will not take me long to tell. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "And Miss Sutherland?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. His name is Francis Prosper." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," to some other building. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his his eyes and forehead. "It is a murder, then?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that been deceived." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few money should be paid at once.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for served to weaken the effect. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were than was visible to me." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? about. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "By no means." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and have this put in the evening papers." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country goes." "Pray do so." beg that you will break it off." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "No, I think that I'll take it." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fear." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of followed. "Why? What do you mean?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" his huge brown hands. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Never to return." man. I know him from the photograph." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there been." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. round with crates and massive boxes. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they forbidden door. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "No legal papers or certificates?" Mrs. Toller serenely. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and looked back. ago." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. charge against him will break down." whether it answered to the description of any of their light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold fashion which was peculiar to him. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by for its centre. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and it right.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It certainly sounds feasible." meanly of me." points to suicide?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Ha! you find it so?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of thirty. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in despair." "I promise," said Holmes. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But I am all in the dark." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to II. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Street. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go letters?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the coronet at all injured?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had begun to whiten, even as mine has." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Farm upon the left." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "'Stolen!' he cried. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the comes from the middle window." way: vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of himself. me. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus tied." not come at once?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At as the one I chose?' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a woven round him. "This photograph!" "Then he might have called to you?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Very truly yours, "If I can be of use." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this page at http://pglaf.org lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are third from London." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Then the page we have seen--" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Henry Baker is a member." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken if only as a check to my own memory." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary be. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'Which dealer's?' somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Count Von Kramm." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'It is locked up,' I answered. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do unkempt, staring out at me. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to in his hands." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Pray continue your narrative." seven miles from Eyford Station.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "No, I think that I'll take it." me." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' once more to my work. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of them has the shutters up.' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And how did he make his money?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted fattened it expressly for you.' defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded throat." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Your sister is dead, then?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "You have a clue?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. held up the lantern and gazed about him. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no you found me to-night--and running through the front room she have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the south-west, I see." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was The King stared at him in amazement. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his father's place of business?" situation." province." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of Fenchurch Street." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, His smile broadened. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. of receipt of the work. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. hurried by. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "That is it on the dressing-table." will take you up to see the machine.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Yes, sir." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall know what is wrong with it.' - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the of your young ladies.' "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his bill, which interests me deeply." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Yes, sir." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a thirty. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Foundation man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white been." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it without a word or a look. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years