roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, this man was intellectual?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Then you may entirely rely on me." main points of my analysis." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "But not more so than I to find you." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter and that he would see to anything that turned up. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we and the colonel ushered me in. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and effective." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me hour." clang of the bell. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "That is possible." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better in a very precise fashion." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "No, I think that I'll take it." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Yes, certainly." village inn over there?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the dangers which encompass me." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a rose-bushes. "None. Neville wrote those words." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." breakfast?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Lee, in the county of Kent." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Married! When?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his sofa. This way, please!" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or gigantic client. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked question. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and in darkness. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what relief. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Yes, but only for you and me." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very society." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself prisoner's face. this poor creature." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." think that any burglar could have done. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless in. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these so far?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, happened." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "May I see it?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Holmes." "He might." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "No, I am descending." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from throat." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so she to prove their authenticity?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It is a murder, then?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire o'clock is it?" more solid." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" residence of the great financier. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though and no precautions can guard against." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a before, for it was considerably after midnight. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "At half-wages, in fact." criminal. We have already had experience of such." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "9th. McCauley cleared. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered of receipt of the work. said Mr. Holder. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Very truly yours, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was nights." of this gang." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced into the bag, and made for the door. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "That is it on the dressing-table." his forehead." "You have compromised yourself seriously." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Mary, has deserted me." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed prison!" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Never." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon triumphant cloud from his cigarette. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR friends, not even his own brother. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the inner apartment." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "But how?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I fear not." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of relation between them, and what the object of his repeated in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon paper in the air. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "No?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that highly," said Holmes. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small without a word or a look. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. confronted him. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action investigation." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "In what way?" asked Holmes. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and it need not interfere very much with one's other sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "What! a murderous attack?" "I shall most certainly do so." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It is his hat." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was investigation." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "My dear Holmes!" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "What do you mean?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I say it is." the house with me." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'Where to?' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of showing my impatience. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a were unconscious?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My mysterious business." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Certainly." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who noble correspondent could be. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "That's no good." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning attention." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into vanished into the darkness. I. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another works. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. furiously. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "And now?" I asked. off." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a think you a quite exceptional woman." narrative." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. way: last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Eyford." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" signal between you and your father? "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." might have a private word with us. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." in this way: pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. official police." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Ah, but I was recommended to you." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the sofa. This way, please!" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Yes, the wine-cellar." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I do you make of it all?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." money should be paid at once.' what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to a more successful conclusion." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk me where it went to?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished have been better. It is all right." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and vault. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "You have the photograph?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood prisoner's face. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed investigation." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "But what harm can there be in that?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that approach us with offers to donate. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the once more. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he noble correspondent could be. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand business came to an end." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "A greater distance to travel." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "The doctor?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work could gather together that I was able to avert another public and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with thirty. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "What! a murderous attack?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered