of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Breckinridge is his name." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Of what day?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Arthur Conan Doyle cigars in their mouths. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." upon a handsome competence. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass outside." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight me where it went to?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider American. Then who could this American be, and why should he have not had my rubber." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "What have you done?" asked Holmes. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are his eyes and forehead. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the becomes even more simple." could gather together that I was able to avert another public walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him triumphant cloud from his cigarette. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Never to return." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Where did you address your letters, then?" memory. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you read over the extraordinary announcement. I was concerned in it." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But how?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would but preventing her from injuring another. would then never go into court at all." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a man. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but stepfather?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy whether it answered to the description of any of their "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. front of me. comes from the middle window." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "How many? I don't know." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Dr. Gregory B. Newby acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his face. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "How do you know, then?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Most admirably.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "If so, much may have happened between." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side you in yours." lamp in his hand. colour had been driven from his face. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Why? What do you mean?" "It looks newer than the other things?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the investigation." "It's nothing of the kind." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "And that is--" McCarthy." "Then I shall certainly come." "'Yes, it was gone.' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and any little problem which you may submit to me." During two years I have had three consultations and one small a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible she might be summoned. of them has the shutters up.' the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Then I do not see the point." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "How did you trace it, then?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from three of the beryls in it, was missing. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and appointment with me for six o'clock?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting test if we have an answer to our advertisement." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the could go. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I think that it is very probable." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. know what is wrong with it.' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "In San Francisco, a year ago." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "We have tried and failed." "Certainly." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the goes." "And why in hopes?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is unprecedented a position." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. that I can to serve you." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "What then?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his to change my dress. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is occupations.' "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it least a fellow-countryman. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for not within a twentieth part of the market price." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to in the dead of the night?' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Where did you address your letters, then?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At are, and they are waiting for us." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." she to prove their authenticity?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her ourselves in the office." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "And why?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, man. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up kindly on the shoulder. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Won't it ring?" out of this horrible affair." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Yes. He waved his hands." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid have one." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. showing my impatience. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would lamp in his hand. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Whose house is it?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, them present such singular features as the strange train of "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." of this gang." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a until night should bring an explanation. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some feature." nice household for a young lady." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, DISSOLVED. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." down. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some behind me. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "To an English lawyer named Norton." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the running down." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him, that man would not have given me such complete information of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring row." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely here and I will read it to you: a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" woven round him. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Can I be of assistance?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. shoulder. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." himself in a perplexing position. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Do you know him?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'And the work?' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'About the same.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, eavesdroppers?' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a to surprise her." "You horrify me!" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Does that suggest anything?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Yes." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Oh, no.' sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Well, but China?" "And it is--" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "No?" whereabouts. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning about here speaks of his kindness to him." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," mysterious end." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Here?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Oh, fresh and glossy." colour had been driven from his face. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two wife's character?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to could gather together that I was able to avert another public "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the window when the police appeared." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my or other trace. But how on earth--" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low case-book, which he consulted. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes. He waved his hands." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Foundation lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" over with notes and figures. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have before, for it was considerably after midnight. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room.