shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few throat." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I have hopes." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I will, Miss Turner." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I cannot imagine." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Yes." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. But Holmes shook his head gravely. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and from the brougham. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off DAMAGE. away to you." "No." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "The murder was done with it." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. made his money." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small chemical work which was so dear to him. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. discontent upon his features. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'I shall certainly be there.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary name is different." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself good-night and bustled off upon her way. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I cannot imagine." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do dead, shall be safe with us." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small foot. "And the murderer?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable my room." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. without a word or a look. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the relief. what do you think they found in the pockets?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "He slept on the premises." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "And why?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Eh? What was that?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am and I shall be with you presently." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You were travelling in the States?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Yes?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "You know me, then?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," any." beyond words. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the Red-headed League." retorted upon me, and I on you." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "How on earth--" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would about here speaks of his kindness to him." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a you came in." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay confronted him. client, rising. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: companion. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been golden eyeglasses. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that remarked. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Do you go out much in society?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more The summons was a brief and urgent one. "No more words. Get out!" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Perfectly so." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Ah!" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. directors, with the result that you have seen." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Ah, but I was recommended to you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the coronet at all injured?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done works. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other For additional contact information: "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector at my own good fortune. "Yes." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. straighten it?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, copied or distributed: "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I have hopes." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was what these perils are?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." obstinate." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of Mr. Rucastle's." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "That is not always so easy." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Quite so. She has her freedom." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His figure." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his are, and they are waiting for us." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right your own bird, so if you wish--" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'Never,' said I. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in meanly of me." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to future lives." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat frequently gained my first real insight into the character of clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "What I expected to see." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What steps will you take?" I asked. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and himself. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You are all wrong." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this learned something! Where are the gems?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was breakfast." himself to hunt down. vanished into the darkness. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "We must have a cab." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can astonishment. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the second." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was me. You must get home instantly and act." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I am armed." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. bearing upon the case." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way new acquaintance to Baker Street. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Nothing?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Well." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I never will be, entirely cleared up. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, straightened it out again. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and derbies." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." became a certainty. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then one's self under obligations.' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from foresight and the moral retrogression?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I shall most certainly do so." on re-entering her father's house?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was of the way of danger. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Nothing." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being himself. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I guessed as much." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and shoulder; "he's all right." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Why did you pick him?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, opened the door, and slipped through. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from visitors." "You are all wrong." "I should like to see him very much." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but me what he had done with the three missing stones. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "None." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "It missed him, then?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Her father is very rich?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I know where it is." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to tell." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking woman." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put you in your example." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are lips." "Precisely." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my murdered man." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" strong reason behind." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I see many objections to any such theory." sake, don't!" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a late." forecastle of an emigrant ship. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide his wife has ceased to love him." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of wedding?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the room while you explain this matter?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "It certainly sounds feasible." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few