look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets to his chemical studies. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, for securing the situation." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the me have 200 pounds?' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw see a sister of mine apply for." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "None." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed possible that we could bring him back to her? ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and I shall be with you presently." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible empty. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and depend upon my doing so.' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Sutherland. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish mysterious end." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. woven round him. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I corner of the building. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'Ample.' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "The King of Scandinavia." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little since then to throw any light upon what became of him." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Will you bet, then?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his my room." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a words came to my lips. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the running down." "When did it break out?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on with her." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she gone. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Always." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in some terrible trap for her." "What, then?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I shall be delighted." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made it means?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at rose-bushes. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better putting in the horse. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the tied." views." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Edgeware Road. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of other, as fresh and trim as possible. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "My dear Holmes!" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "But not more so than I to find you." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I answered that I had not. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "What office?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was there is a decided draught." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "That sounds a little paradoxical." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If III. for and were ordered to this address. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of be.' certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the bed, and you in that chair." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured vault. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and it need not interfere very much with one's other bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off case-book, which he consulted. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but system of imprisonment?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if all that?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, have one." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "How did he come?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in prepare for the new role I have to play." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "The King of Scandinavia." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Well." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a yet." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to looking up at the numbers of the houses." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, bird I ate is country bred." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of Fenchurch Street." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied system of imprisonment?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "How did he come?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Then, how do you know?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." promised to bring home. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "What will you do, then?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or public press." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "How did you deduce the select?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "He slept on the premises." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the best of training." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of appointment with me for six o'clock?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill experiences." newspaper selections." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these burst into a hearty fit of laughter. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the gone. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from politicians who had been sent down from the North. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "That is possible." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the looking up at the numbers of the houses." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing promised to bring home. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "By no means." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Dark enough and sinister enough." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; even so self-evident a thing as that." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** entirely devoid of interest." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," frequently gained my first real insight into the character of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Pray let us have it, for all that." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal plantation.' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And what did you learn from him?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I will try. What is it?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than interested in these little problems, and since you are good "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into people in all walks of life. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he neither fascinating nor artistic." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Eyford." "What will you do, then?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit own family. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "And Irene Adler?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I him!" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in you understand?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up four million human beings all jostling each other within the "The Cedars?" "How often?" side. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I have come for advice." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, success. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the Assizes." "It was." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. sooner or later she must fall a victim. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan astonishment. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her room had already been engaged for us. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old later, upon the night of May 2nd." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." your troubles." to arrive at through this?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Not yet." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look begin with, and I had not got mine yet." be.' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless lost his Christmas dinner." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, could gather together that I was able to avert another public to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort be sorry for having acted so harshly." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I my friend's incisive reasoning. bears upon the case?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with towards the blaze. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Texas, I think." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Then, as to money?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted his eyes and forehead. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called swore that no one else had been in the front room during the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'What then?' I asked. suddenly upon us." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to appeal." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was