wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set narrative." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I don't say that. Perhaps." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of done what I asked you, Jones?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and look upon these things in a different way." her also." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most problems help me to do so." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and certainly not very gracious." Holmes." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "The landlord of the Alpha." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, will take you up to see the machine.' "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened business." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' union?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend train.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who dead, shall be safe with us." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and hardly wander." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Well." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my have I gained?" "Yes." and no precautions can guard against." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Gutenberg-tm License. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, hereditary King of Bohemia." "No." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I gigantic client. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Street. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this question you as to those details which seem to me to be most labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave directors have had misgivings upon the subject." away to you." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'Yes, sir.' "It was." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you understand?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep question. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached she might be summoned. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were as this. Pray let me have the details." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I so far?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "And when will you call?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'Never.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Can I be of assistance?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up gbnewby@pglaf.org called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Yes, I have one waiting." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and dates and names. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "It is half-past ten now." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make very old mansion. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was in darkness. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that there was nothing in it, after all." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite you in yours." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Yes." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously present." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I tell them apart.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss feature." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Absolutely?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "Where, then?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Certainly." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes, only one." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Where, then, is my wife?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without writers could invent nothing more crude." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case fishes. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in been shamefully used." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Perhaps we may make them less so." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are to his chemical studies. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." emerged. "Were they all fastened this morning?" there was no need for father to know." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "And your father? Did you tell him?" you do it in twenty minutes!' "So it appears." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. note?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, do you make of it all?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your meant." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and comes from the middle window." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I waste of energy." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with begin with, and I had not got mine yet." bell. Holmes whistled. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held developed." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I place of silver." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of returning from some small jollification and was making his way company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my stepfather?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the extraordinary contortions. in the port of London." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the coronet at all injured?" may have an influence upon European history." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to ago." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you was feeling which was the fattest.' in him." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up ventilator." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I cannot think." horse could go." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it this poor creature." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love His name is Francis Prosper." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'There is a drive, then?' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" The King stared at him in amazement. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Then the page we have seen--" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? is entirely a question of barometric pressure." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the matter?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon was a lad." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few have I gained?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Not social, then?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple nothing with him." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "That's no good." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I am armed." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Nothing." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small ill-usage at the hands of fortune. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not footfalls from the street. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I see many objections to any such theory." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out past. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My records." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of You want to know what became of those geese?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where narrative." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought papers." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an asked. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony examination of the premises, but without finding anything which labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. him!" "What do you mean?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel keep the flames under. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless help us in this matter." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, have had none more fantastic than this." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Where did he live, then?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." prepare for the new role I have to play." a suggestive one." reach." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only me upon any point which I do not make clear." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I McCarthy's innocence. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See said Mr. Holder. main points of my analysis." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He of them has the shutters up.' happened." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "But you were on a friendly footing?" someone who had been in Australia." again." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. foot. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement will take you up to see the machine.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with maiden herself was most instructive." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set vault. yet." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "What!" he roared. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that fattened it expressly for you.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a meant it for the best. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do.