Lee, in the county of Kent." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "But his lameness?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. enter into my head. round and wave him away like that.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Yes." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he man. I know him from the photograph." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small three fields round his house, and there he would take his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the desk. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to possible that we could bring him back to her? mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I of the way of danger. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "'Very good.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "He said that you could solve anything." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Count Von Kramm." "I will do it." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the to that open window." think that any burglar could have done. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows 1.E.9. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney stammered. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there one which it was hard to resist. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" matters immensely." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "My opinion is in no way altered." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a you." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled he bowed and left the room without another word. But Holmes shook his head gravely. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Could he throw no light?" have I gained?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. room had already been engaged for us. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me John Swain, of St. Augustine. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And you can do nothing until then?" the King without delay." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, in this way: step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "How did you trace it, then?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Is purely nominal.' this remarkable episode. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And what did you see?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "'As governess?' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is II. have had none more fantastic than this." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Who was the criminal, then?" touch that coronet?' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which you." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try photograph?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are experiences." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Ten will be early enough." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the business at Coburg Square is serious." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "And Miss Sutherland?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. character. and inquire as to the address." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it individual and becomes the badge of a society." enter into my head. "She told me to ask you." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." are windows in it, of course?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I manager. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the said he. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters thirty. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." own family. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings what these perils are?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Yes, only one." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "No bad?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon round with crates and massive boxes. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, problems help me to do so." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that of this gang." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Was your sister dressed?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "In which, sir?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the side-table." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to sparkled upon his finger. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many mysterious end." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that in your London, you will know that the office of the company is be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until him nearly every evening." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. mysterious business." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he fire. You quite follow me?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Witness: It was. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in quick march!" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce was shining brightly. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they peculiar to him. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Entirely.' days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Leave Paddington by the 11:15." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what events, Mr. Windibank!" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "In which, sir?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. morning." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "If so, much may have happened between." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He politicians who had been sent down from the North. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant happened." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his of Fenchurch Street." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'No, I know no one in these parts.' You want to know what became of those geese?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made seen the man in the road." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, any more." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Absolutely?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Stolen, then." fire. You quite follow me?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to away into the river." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, four million human beings all jostling each other within the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to salesman. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days which we had just quitted. sneer upon his pale face. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the foresight and the moral retrogression?" this man was intellectual?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Precisely." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a colonel looking down at me. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one our word." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away nothing with him." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had spark where all is dark to me." into the room. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Have you good authority for what you say?" "I will, Miss Turner." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when strong reason behind." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I should wish to." meanly of me." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. noble correspondent could be. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "In which, sir?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wanted for ourselves." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "How do you know, then?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and the colonel ushered me in. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "And I." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "No, I am descending." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with strength." to you." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in ordinary clothes on?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Stoke Moran." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was your equipment. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make I leave." "You did not overhear what they said?" "10th. John Swain cleared. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. legal crime." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" events than those which have happened in my own family." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "How are you getting on?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That them present such singular features as the strange train of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend up this clue while it is still hot." this unhappy family?" "I will try. What is it?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large