cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now helping a boy to put up the shutters. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Street. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several bore every mark of being an average commonplace British immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his a little more before I quite committed myself. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "I will, Miss Turner." the child." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** important." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. his cane at the bell-pull. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from behind me. not fit the lock." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety IS which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' knowledge of the world." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was lamp. yet." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were open." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out said he. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Holmes' thin, eager face. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was were wasted." "The King of Scandinavia." "What shall I do?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest orange pips. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the sufficient punishment." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Then I shall certainly come." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "You know me, then?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." people in all walks of life. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making stood on the top of it. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "You have it, sir, just as it happened." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "How did you deduce the select?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a garden below. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Yesterday." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I should wish to." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of nothing with him." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." call you and give you the chance." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his excitement. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four was already answered. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I have my revolver," said I. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to a light-house. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in affection." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I because she had spent so short a time in this country that she was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of compunction about shooting them down." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "And I say east," said my patient. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich page at http://pglaf.org outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is society." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back seen the man in the road." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower had formerly been in part my own. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a his face which made him a very different person to the round, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "And for present expenses?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite you." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs papers on the sundial.'" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I say it is." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the answer." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "And help." of receipt of the work. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and my secret was safe in his possession. unkempt, staring out at me. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the Red-headed League." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. you came in." which it had come upon my father." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not for its centre. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her golden eyeglasses. everything which you would wish to know." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building just called myself is not exactly my own." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your like gravel from a pit.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else you want, then?' direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I his face which made him a very different person to the round, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but letters?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Was there a secret marriage?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Yes, sir." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all when your master had gone out." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during from the brougham. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in gone. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. brandy and water within his reach. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been all-comprehensive glances. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices conceal it?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that with frightened eyes at his accuser. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated a suggestive one." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business on in his house." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary way in." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I think that I had better go, Holmes." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each bell. Holmes whistled. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been carriage. It was a chestnut." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Proceed, then." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "What do you make of that, Watson?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't chance at all." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to introspective fashion. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a examine." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A was lame." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. his knees, staring into the fire. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you guilty parties." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "How can you tell that?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to ready to-morrow?' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I do." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this there was no need for father to know." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Perhaps I have." of it with the greatest attention. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "A call for help, you thought?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I shall be delighted." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his at a side door. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round that I can to serve you." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Yes.' "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were meant it for the best. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; something of him before." "I should like to see him very much." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Why serious?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the gone. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the night.' said he. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "We have tried and failed." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing girl said." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for arrangements." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to without a word or a look. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'Yes.' "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 11:15.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Was she in good spirits?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, go back?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. his forehead." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I will, Miss Turner." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen despaired of." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the nursery. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'Certainly not. But why?' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the driver. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "A greater distance to travel." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them."