the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Pray tell us what has happened to you." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I was sure that I might rely on you." go back?" Gutenberg-tm License. charged with?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "How did you deduce the select?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "What! a murderous attack?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "You have a clue?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of at home. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'I shall certainly be there.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "In which, sir?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will to have been novel and of interest." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he this poor creature." "My dear Holmes!" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with she might be summoned. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Yes." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I cannot tell." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature enough to aid us in our search." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you observed. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it points in connection with it which never have been, and probably practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is retorted upon me, and I on you." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this made him keep the appointment." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE letters?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Yes, I have one waiting." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two business at Coburg Square is serious." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Dr. Becher's." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a photograph?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had points in connection with it which never have been, and probably looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the think you a quite exceptional woman." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Pray let us have it, for all that." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. retorted upon me, and I on you." salesman. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that said he. public press." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush them?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way now. It seems that there had been some informality about their politicians who had been sent down from the North. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by lips." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'And the work?' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Why? What do you mean?" certainly not very gracious." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five interest. They are important, you understand, without being and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Most admirably.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up flock.' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our are windows in it, of course?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and your relations to her." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the it were putty." developed." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it could gather together that I was able to avert another public would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting mystery." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Certainly." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer man. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable nothing of it?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." with some details as to your case." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "How do you know, then?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "The knees of his trousers." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the relief. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. said he. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a or in danger--" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, have not had my rubber." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from his grey eyes. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Her father is very rich?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither visitors." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California overpowering excitement and concern. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is your only hope of safety." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your where we are going." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Yes, I promise.' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across words came to my lips. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Very much so." one else, I think." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, fait accompli?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. something of him before." "What can it mean?" I gasped. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "May I see it?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "How can you tell that?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the night.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "And for present expenses?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a go from here to the Strand." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate emerged. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn is four-and-twenty." even of instruction." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a placed his cuttings. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined yards of it?' supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day over his head with a sweet womanly caress. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, crime." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I back into the street. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Clair, of Lee." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." over part of the map. "What do you read?" morning." "Thank you. Pray proceed." orange pips. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way me. "It is very kind of you." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" child?' meanly of me." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Yes, that is the Crown." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "You will not go there first?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "No more words. Get out!" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "And you can do nothing until then?" "And sit in the dark?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. with some details as to your case." to a light-house. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he you?' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first get her out of the way." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Oh, the cause is excellent!" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in again." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of writer." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a straightened it out again. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a you do it in twenty minutes!' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his opportunities to fix the problem. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping fashion which was peculiar to him. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small outside. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a have had none more fantastic than this." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Witness: It was. to tell." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Ample.' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to-night?" I asked. tightly behind him. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have memory. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found fluttered off among the others. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You room. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers problems help me to do so." "Do you know him?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia once more to my work. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. to surprise her." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Was there a secret marriage?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And you thought he was pulled back?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "But how did you gain them?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed is now desirous of getting those letters back." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Then I do not see the point." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "By all means." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It without success. At last the little money which I had saved began order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. better grown goose." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I am still in the dark." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "And how in the world did you find them?" was a lad." into the room. the morning and make my own way in the world.' and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner strength in the others." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. breakfast." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some past. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. heavily into it. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time derbies." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "None." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on might have a private word with us. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof enter into my head. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set new acquaintance to Baker Street.