The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And for present expenses?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? tapping his fingers upon the table. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "But you were on a friendly footing?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is next day. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. security.' depend upon my doing so.' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and little adventures." meant." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Yes, sir." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I am not easy in my mind about them." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the little opening for the ventilator is." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "What have you to say now?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove pressing in one house as in another. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "My dear Holmes!" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking second window is the one that I jumped from." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the jewels which you have stolen?' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I will do it." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this instituted." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. least a most suspicious remark." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." just called myself is not exactly my own." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation as the one I chose?' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Where did you address your letters, then?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other http://www.gutenberg.net "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Then I do not see the point." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As business." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "But his left-handedness." case-book, which he consulted. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which not interfere, come what may. You understand?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the stable lane now." I nodded again. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" call it cruel." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the disappearance of the bride.'" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has redistribution. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Heh?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. chambers. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Stoke Moran?" said he. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge promised to bring home. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" washing it down with a long draught of water. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was feeling which was the fattest.' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very details should find their way into the papers. Inspector some terrible trap for her." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I see many objections to any such theory." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the shoulder. "And did you observe any change in her then?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during never to learn it at all." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in was keenly on my guard against him. words came to my lips. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant certainly not very gracious." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a when your master had gone out." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." some terrible trap for her." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, situation." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of figure." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I nodded again. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "You saw the ventilator, too?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "By no means." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. upon the white wrist. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without had formerly been in part my own. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this from you?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that might help us?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Why? What do you mean?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Ample." more solid." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. yourselves in at night?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little to a more successful conclusion." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. to a more successful conclusion." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Well." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the presume?" infinite languor in his face. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She friend's singular character. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief newspaper selections." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes feature." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I occupations.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You are certainly joking, Holmes." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case round and wave him away like that.' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Yes." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. events than those which have happened in my own family." to tackle the facts." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less arrested. You then--" "Will you go?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was locked. "'Quite sure, dad.' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "From his hat?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, and capable of preserving a secret.' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." went to the Alpha were town bred." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I see many objections to any such theory." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." would then never go into court at all." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I think it very unlikely." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business speckled band?" conceal it?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had hopeless attempt at recovering them." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle yourselves in at night?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a clanging. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most it." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there out." "No." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of infinite languor in his face. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Her father is very rich?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such absolutely follow my advice in every respect." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." presume?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these lost his Christmas dinner." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Of what?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough bill, which interests me deeply." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "A greater distance to travel." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Holmes." "Yes. He waved his hands." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I have a cab outside." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "You have the photograph?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Yes." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton bird I ate is country bred." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: individual and becomes the badge of a society." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were shag which I had seen upon the previous night. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Very murderous indeed." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Imitated." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." from you?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Ha! you find it so?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Certainly." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down before the coroner and the police-court." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "But you would not advise me to refuse?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I will get her to show me." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. less than 26s. 4d. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of it with the greatest attention. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the very morning of the wedding." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known which we had just quitted. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Thank you. And your address?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I should like to see him very much." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? jewels which you have stolen?' inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Yes." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I approached. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most even so self-evident a thing as that." mystery may be cleared along those lines." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Tired-looking or fresh?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I was mad--insane." "'Never.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope straighten it?" the roots. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a