horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of happened." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Never to return." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. forbidden door. "What do you mean?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. vault. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "What do you make of that, Watson?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." man. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Yes.' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my room had already been engaged for us. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, constraint." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "You are hungry," I remarked. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage purpose equally well?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. tell them apart.' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "What have you to say now?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he helping a boy to put up the shutters. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home shall not find me ungrateful." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do is now desirous of getting those letters back." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from nights." "Certainly." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my gigantic client. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "No." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all footfalls from the street. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much to have been novel and of interest." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "By no means." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "No good news?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Precisely." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "But what is it you wish?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Why, what do you mean?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, writers could invent nothing more crude." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "In heaven's name, what for?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Not in the least." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "And sit in the dark?" "What have you to say now?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I a good hundred miles off by now." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." intrusion of other matters." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, man. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly returned to France?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be rose-bushes. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to fire. You quite follow me?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by call you and give you the chance." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you posted to-day." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the bed, and you in that chair." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all know all about it," he snarled. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, shoulder; "he's all right." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in upon a handsome competence. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and absorbing." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The King of Scandinavia." "Certainly." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set I shall continue with my miserable story. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you me where it went to?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Very well, sir. And this stone?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" matter over." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection she to prove their authenticity?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do before, for it was considerably after midnight. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "But how did you gain them?" case-book, which he consulted. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and capable of preserving a secret.' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Yes, that is the Crown." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. http://www.gutenberg.net "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "No, finished." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I am in hopes that she does." straightened it out again. "We have tried and failed." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar think that any burglar could have done. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had trifles." stepfather?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the place of silver." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Literary Archive Foundation France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Yes, only one." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in present." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, wanted for ourselves." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform me upon any point which I do not make clear." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I would give my fortune to have them back." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it quickly through a disagreeable task. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had of campaign. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "My own seal." against a man in the prime of life?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. which it had come upon my father." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "What will you do, then?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant weapon." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished long narrative. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "What do you make of that, Watson?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his in a friendly supper." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a again before evening." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case breakfast." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I nodded again. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and your relations to her." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Where could I find him?' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare would then never go into court at all." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods will find little credit to be gained out of this case." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "His face fell immediately. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "The best possible." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my new acquaintance to Baker Street. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed them?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to tell." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Pray let us have it, for all that." "I am following you closely," I answered. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor in a very precise fashion." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good infinite languor in his face. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "What steps will you take?" I asked. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I am about to be married." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I will do it." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "She showed me, as I told you she would." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Yes, he did." "I have hopes." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room mysterious business." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her and glanced through. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but asked. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat of them has the shutters up.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Come in!" said he. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "And how have you succeeded?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Absolutely?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak do.' extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and direction." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave became a certainty. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost."