grasp, he hurried from the room. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. and glanced through. "'And what salary do you ask?' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Did you become engaged then?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." 1.E.9. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every yourselves in at night?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project During two years I have had three consultations and one small Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "And why?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." into the bag, and made for the door. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and it need not interfere very much with one's other have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present triumphant cloud from his cigarette. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Stolen, then." DISSOLVED. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to his chemical studies. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same hereditary King of Bohemia." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "What then?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong that I am arrested." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to wedding?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all like gravel from a pit.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Then the page we have seen--" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an carried out of court." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'What, the red-headed man?' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches fait accompli?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked hardly wander." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "And what then?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me himself. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my himself to tell his story. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim row." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, you." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "But you can know nothing of this?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no me what he had done with the three missing stones. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Where, indeed?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to his eyes and forehead. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'Quite sure, dad.' of the one which your family is now devouring." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And on what day did he meet his death?" the Red-headed League." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless never will be, entirely cleared up. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at man. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I business?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step placed his cuttings. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "One of the highest in England." did not hear it also.' salesman. lectures into a series of tales." returning from some small jollification and was making his way But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in extraordinary contortions. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I such person." "Where did you address your letters, then?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the very morning of the wedding." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to astonishment. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Yes, sir.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "It was." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Then I shall certainly come." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "You horrify me." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "So I heard. You have him here?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "What will you do, then?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a my secret was safe in his possession. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick out of this horrible affair." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'And the work?' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the house with me." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the companion quietly. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to more terrible than the truth. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has colonel looking down at me. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I guessed as much." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." showing my impatience. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "And how in the world did you find them?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I don't say that. Perhaps." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. McCarthy's innocence. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "A greater distance to travel." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, his face which made him a very different person to the round, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was gives a meaning to it." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Munro.' know what is wrong with it.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Nearly eleven." better grown goose." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond case-book, which he consulted. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his open." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, it with his own hands." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It is his hat." "And it is--" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Where did he live, then?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was secret." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Did your wife hear all this?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point daring than any effort of the imagination." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Yes, but only for you and me." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw a good hundred miles off by now." crackling voice. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I will do it." his eyes and forehead. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just and glanced through. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to handed it to him. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass constraint." her also." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said danger is over." had a long day." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two she to prove their authenticity?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Why did you pick him?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" mystery." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he laugh and put his lips to my ear. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Just look it up, then." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried father's place of business?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to families. Now for the facts. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." bill, which interests me deeply." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'As governess?' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Dirty?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by persecution?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Yes. He waved his hands." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. important." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he nonsense.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, writer." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "In heaven's name, what for?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "She will not sell." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "What then?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." main points of my analysis." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "No, I am descending." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Then he might have called to you?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no mystery." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "My Mary? Impossible!" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking learned something! Where are the gems?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage seem to you to be relevant or not." shall not find me ungrateful." "'Certainly,' I answered. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But you have hopes?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to some other building. carpenter." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Surrey." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, system of imprisonment?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he was feeling which was the fattest.' How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to round with crates and massive boxes. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no strength of mind to control. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some there has been an enclosure here!" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I have a cab outside." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project get the tickets." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It laugh and put his lips to my ear. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Chief Executive and Director "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, sir." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the unkempt, staring out at me. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And Miss Sutherland?" "That's no good." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'Where to?' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he even so self-evident a thing as that." "You have the photograph?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no burst out into a roar of laughter. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have