best detective that ever lived. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." know that the truth is known." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded neither fascinating nor artistic." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Married! When?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "He said too much." detective. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in one else, I think." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a where we are going." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I pressing in one house as in another. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. salesman. "An enemy?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady or in danger--" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. father's young wife. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Won't it ring?" might help us?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of the one which your family is now devouring." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Never." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Yes, that is the Crown." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a British peeress.'" "Not yet." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be have not had my rubber." should be so warm over such a trifle." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." anything to do with the matter?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." You want to know what became of those geese?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes matter." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' corner of the building. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of Fenchurch Street." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "None." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the grasp, he hurried from the room. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Was the window open?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my been anything against him. He had for years been known as a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the constraint." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you visitors." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the tragedy. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "But how?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another detective. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow works. See paragraph 1.E below. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of Mr. Rucastle's." quite distinctive." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the within hail.' happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "'And what salary do you ask?' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a again." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very a monotonous occupation." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced events, Mr. Windibank!" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took remarked. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have as yours." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Yes, that is the Crown." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the so-precious time, but come!' intrusion of other matters." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Where did you address your letters, then?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. chambers. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the works. See paragraph 1.E below. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." to you." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace it." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a not fit the lock." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Not him." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And secret." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I should like to see him very much." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or child?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send along the entire front of the house, with three long windows The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about train from Paddington which would bring you there at about works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to definite end. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the so-precious time, but come!' value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the which our visitor detailed to us. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. cigars in their mouths. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "No." corner of the building. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "She told me to ask you." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Where did you address your letters, then?" affair. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. do.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the salesman. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no things are very often connected not with the larger but with the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on once more on the important position which you have been fortunate home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, where she found matters as described by the last witness. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening would then never go into court at all." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey where we are going." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg undoubtedly my uncle's." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "What!" he roared. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the works. See paragraph 1.E below. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? delirious. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'Yes, it was gone.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty call you and give you the chance." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." been." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the even of instruction." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "But the mystery?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Then he might have called to you?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And why?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "One?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Munro.' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "No." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, spark where all is dark to me." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel means taking possession of that which another person has a prior time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. wife's character?" prisoner's face. seem to you to be relevant or not." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "But his left-handedness." "Very. But will he see it?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as papers must be those that are destroyed.' indeed happy." himself to hunt down. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used fish-monger and a tide-waiter." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. call you and give you the chance." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are everything which you would wish to know." occurred." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, tear off another piece?' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; mystery." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I have my revolver," said I. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to door?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which fait accompli?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he better grown goose." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of key turn in the lock." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but strength in the others." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the occurred." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this vault. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To your bag." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the bottom.' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the carpenter." prepare for the new role I have to play." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See look upon these things in a different way." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of his eyes and forehead. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I John Swain, of St. Augustine. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in leave you to your papers for a little." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" III. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "One?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Always." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "And you don't know his address?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was it brought him the coronet? home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It is possible." Cross for the Continent." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty certainly do as you advise." and have this put in the evening papers."