imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort place of silver." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after you." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position letters?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. if she died from some sudden fright." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "None." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. note?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to-night." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Nothing." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't you want, then?' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a power." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not way: pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, time." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the matter." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings in him." ventilator." nights." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "And now?" He raised his hand. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on arms and began to sob in a high treble key. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I straighten it?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his not fit the lock." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, at once, for I have only half an hour." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Certainly." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "No." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch was the fact that his father should, according to his account, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine foot. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my footfalls from the street. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, in the hope of finding them." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fait accompli?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother them?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. goes." investigation." habit of advancing money.' "Bought." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the national property. I was determined that the law should have its perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I was mad--insane." page at http://pglaf.org asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in desk. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. train.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "And the cigar-holder?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I have a cab outside." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. enough to aid us in our search." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "But how?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Look there!" said he. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Yes." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." politicians who had been sent down from the North. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had call for protection in the marriage market, for the present unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "It is true that I have been generally successful." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Frequently." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Eh? What was that?" breakfast." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a becomes even more simple." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I believe that I should never have any practice at all. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a giving me time to thank him. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "At half-wages, in fact." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your people in all walks of life. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of lectures into a series of tales." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate back into the street. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the province." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I important." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See extraordinary contortions. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the closing the door. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her me, and I could not think that his explanation of the upon the sideboard." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He For additional contact information: than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Then, how do you know?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "My stepfather's business papers." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at but preventing her from injuring another. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of his grey eyes. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. at home. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, him to go away.' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you married her." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I am sure." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by fishes. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's over with notes and figures. enter into my head. which are rolled in Rotterdam." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should answer." been deceived." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his are, and they are waiting for us." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you there." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably that you saw all that I did." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some morning." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an License. You must require such a user to return or "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he reach." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of opportunities to fix the problem. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "And your mother is alive?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you foot. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too prisoner's face. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Where does the thing come from?' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view lips." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar served to weaken the effect. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Then I do not see the point." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Here?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the during which he might have communicated with his friend the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Certainly." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Witness: Nothing definite. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "What office?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with like that before?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I would give my fortune to have them back." like gravel from a pit.' lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of morning." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time was a lad." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. have been better. It is all right." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." official police." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "At the wedding breakfast." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the loss of it. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding to have that photograph." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Certainly." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, three fields round his house, and there he would take his quick march!" as the one I chose?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "And your mother is alive?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it danger is over." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent said I. as he remarks, very much against the son." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried drove away. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Just look it up, then." License. You must require such a user to return or You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Chief Executive and Director particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "How about poison?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I know where it is." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Very murderous indeed." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. what these perils are?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in said Mr. Holder. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune with the outside air!" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into in my life." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round evidence," I remarked. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which where she found matters as described by the last witness. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Sutherland. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the dangers which encompass me."