the inquest, and which are worth considering." "What then?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would with you?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "You horrify me." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the breakfast." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "9th. McCauley cleared. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to she to prove their authenticity?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. this unhappy family?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." as he remarks, very much against the son." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a his fortune, and I went back to pa. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless children over to America with him, so that I found myself without lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "But your client--" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." your co-operation." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our roused himself from his reverie. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Not I." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with as the one I chose?' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right to a light-house. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "What office?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my highly," said Holmes. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "But what is it you wish?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I have a cab outside." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "No, distinctly professional." "He slept on the premises." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I was mad--insane." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they one's self under obligations.' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor interests were the same as his." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I am about to be married." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little then?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "What can you not understand?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Not social, then?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of letters?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the hopeless attempt at recovering them." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Which surely he restored to their owner?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "BALLARAT." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every papers on the sundial.'" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You crime." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the coronet in his hand?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the skylight. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, signal between you and your father? "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "What, then?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a that you wished to speak to me?' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. assist you in forming an opinion." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, as he folded up the epistle. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "No." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would not personally threatened." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the flock.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. my room." "You are hungry," I remarked. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Then the page we have seen--" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I I shall communicate with you." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Deserted you?" of receipt of the work. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security your room." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Well, but China?" all?" direction." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would quite distinctive." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. evidence," I remarked. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Again Holmes raved in the air. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that have one." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have round with crates and massive boxes. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Yes, from Horsham." "You horrify me." "Quite so." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and occupations.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove conclusions. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the very morning of the wedding." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' face and glided from the room. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so him to go away.' routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I am about to be married." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I am following you closely," I answered. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "None." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their me. what do you think they found in the pockets?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for quite distinctive." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little is a common subject for conversation. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without south, for the country is more deserted there." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still upon the sideboard." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, awaited us upon the table. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold one of the states of the Union." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner letters?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "But the mystery?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the speckled band?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Holmes. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "But not more so than I to find you." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" something of him before." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'Why that?' I asks. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And what did you learn from him?" your room." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I have my revolver," said I. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father outsides of the windows. had this final quarrel? black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate been deceived." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred away in different directions, and I went off to make my own colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been galvanised. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I am sure." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "But I am all in the dark." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the window, rose as we entered. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' people don't know." "'What do you call purely nominal?' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never records." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock maid will bring up your coffee." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Precisely." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. four million human beings all jostling each other within the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "What, then, did Peterson do?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish have accepted such a situation. "You have a clue?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Which surely he restored to their owner?" your sleep?' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the always that they were such commands as a lady might with would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have established a very serious case against the son of the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the recover the gem." "Murdered?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power bonnet, and went out." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in the port of London." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a green of the new foliage. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I see many objections to any such theory." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his with frightened eyes at his accuser. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Upon what point?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the than to us. better grown goose." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, them, and came down just as you departed. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." crackling voice. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "He said too much." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new ventilator." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "But you can know nothing of this?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly intimate personal affairs in this public manner." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are