you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be said he at last. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to you." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Then you may be so with me." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Yes, he did." voice. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at friend's singular character. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the society." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." were new raised from a basin. had formerly been in part my own. "Yes, but only for you and me." would then never go into court at all." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since could gather together that I was able to avert another public death." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I have solved it." the ceiling. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be business at Coburg Square is serious." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong *** START: FULL LICENSE *** nice household for a young lady." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever once more. "What do you make of that, Watson?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman disturbance in my wife." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in empty. Pope's Court. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I rat could hardly pass through." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel she might be summoned. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain definite end. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the power." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "The best possible." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Frequently." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." carriage. It was a chestnut." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "That's no good." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was vague figure huddled up in the darkness. quite distinctive." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to murdered man." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Holmes' face clouded over. his face. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security must be when I saw the door open.' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a appeal." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of face and glided from the room. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "No, I had a dozen." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. detective. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the loss of it. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." questioning and rather startled gaze. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the Assizes." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Why, what do you mean?" "'Yes, sir.' father's young wife. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "But how did you gain them?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Well?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I away to you." other, as fresh and trim as possible. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Breckinridge is his name." up this clue while it is still hot." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "He disappeared so suddenly." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. you want, then?' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "That is not always so easy." assist you in forming an opinion." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked interest. They are important, you understand, without being one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. questioning and rather startled gaze. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Certainly." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You are certainly joking, Holmes." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Witness: Nothing definite. read it out to me." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to his chemical studies. any more." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "But not more so than I to find you." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Holmes." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "That's no good." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "And Miss Sutherland?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had strong reason behind." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I notes," he said. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." murdered man." tail." and laid it on the table. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "And how did you find out?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring notes," he said. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of too. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "How do you know, then?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to signal between you and your father? for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such wedding?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "But how will you look?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Edgeware Road. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at into the room. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Why? What do you mean?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "He said too much." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" clanging. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Miss Holder?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I think that I could be of assistance to you." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy late." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I shall be delighted." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "But I am all in the dark." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "In heaven's name, what for?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "We must have a cab." "Where is it, then?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "But it has twice been burgled." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "It is half-past ten now." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in was not a bird to be seen there. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It must be recovered." cheerful." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were ways of our fellow-men." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of out of this horrible affair." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would said he at last. business came to an end." nonsense.' "Well." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the hair?' finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I will try. What is it?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence you, my dear young lady?' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are even of instruction." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the outside. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in me have 200 pounds?' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and made his money." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Never,' said I. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how DAMAGE. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the up this clue while it is still hot." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in enough to aid us in our search." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "At what time?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he chance at all." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens III. "Yes, but only for you and me." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on standing smiling on the door-step. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Holmes, the busybody!" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, too. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "What have you to say now?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when throat." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Won't it ring?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And why?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "And how in the world did you find them?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Street. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'And what salary do you ask?' we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "No." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault as yours." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. hard-headed British jury." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few DISSOLVED. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be writers could invent nothing more crude." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as works. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, stood on the top of it. your most interesting statement." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country burst out into a roar of laughter. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite been lifted and conveyed somewhere." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and too. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--"