given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "None. Neville wrote those words." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner a little more before I quite committed myself. him. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the leave you to your papers for a little." photograph?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you?' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is examine." it." "I guessed as much." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I know where it is." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its nights." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when read over the extraordinary announcement. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the coronet at all injured?" once more for Briony Lodge. "Was she in good spirits?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Of what?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "You horrify me!" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting head. So long, then!" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly undoubtedly my uncle's." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I was mad--insane." pressing in one house as in another. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very in the dead of the night?' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where bears upon the case?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All forebodings. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the matter?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help back alive. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You'll never persuade me to believe that." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' not, dad?" she asked. "Ha! you find it so?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight least a most suspicious remark." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said were unconscious?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'I am sure that I do not know.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Yes, I promise.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'I am sure that I do not know.' grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing place of silver." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and put his glass in his pocket. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with is now desirous of getting those letters back." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from other means.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which cost them two and thirty pounds." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling quite distinctive." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the window, rose as we entered. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" to-night?" I asked. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." sneer upon his pale face. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the 'please.'" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence and have this put in the evening papers." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "But how did you gain them?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Proceed, then." "Never to return." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for in darkness. instituted." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Perhaps we may make them less so." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed strength in the others." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate to a light-house. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Did he not advertise?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my answer." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been is a common subject for conversation. "And how did you verify them?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing my friend's incisive reasoning. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom could not have written that. It is the German who is so "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at at a side door. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack important." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "She will not sell." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I will try. What is it?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "A call for help, you thought?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I approached. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever made his money." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. never to learn it at all." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the learned something! Where are the gems?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the three of the beryls in it, was missing. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You think that he is dead?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "It is true that I have been generally successful." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think or in danger--" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought in his hands." matter." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Yes, it was twisted." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper we went to search for him, face downward in a little fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the meant." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Can I be of assistance?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever of your young ladies.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from tassel actually lying upon the pillow. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Eh? What was that?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason upon the sideboard." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the breakfast?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." look upon these things in a different way." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Not social, then?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this which are rolled in Rotterdam." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "How on earth--" opportunities to fix the problem. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Have you her photograph?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for with you?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "No." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "And your father? Did you tell him?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You detective. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "What then?" fat-encircled eyes. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "But you have hopes?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "None." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." occurred." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "No sign of it?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, are, and they are waiting for us." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Miss Holder?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "I will do it." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it God! What an exposure! What can I do?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside so far?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "That is unusual in a young girl." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Oh, yes, easily." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Sutherland?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Of what?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute with you?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the trifles." daring than any effort of the imagination." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged was feeling which was the fattest.' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Of Friday, June 19th." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." than to us. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." directors, with the result that you have seen." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "And you can do nothing until then?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "But you have hopes?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Then I can wait in the next room." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight my little problems." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it conceal it?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached voice. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and