about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "There is the writing." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned name is different." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a you." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always room had already been engaged for us. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "The Coroner: What do you mean? to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "From his hat?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was was keenly on my guard against him. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" someone who had been in Australia." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But beyond words. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had new duties?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I am armed." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella had formerly been in part my own. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I think it very unlikely." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from over with notes and figures. had died away into the silence from which it rose. in this note: exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the note?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "The Cedars?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' so.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting asked with his eyes open. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have impression behind it as though a window had gently closed a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "But you have hopes?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." spark where all is dark to me." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my said he at last. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'Is purely nominal.' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank might help us?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very habit of advancing money.' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" his knees, staring into the fire. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have you came in." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's page at http://pglaf.org providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "What is it?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend straighten it?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under him. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle appeared upon the scene." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "I think it very unlikely." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." one of the states of the Union." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can morning." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say corner of the building. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'Yes, it was gone.' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Here?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive any." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, persecution?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I was a lad." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel walking." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that my room." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and your only hope of safety." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the in this way: It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the coronet in his hands?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'And what salary do you ask?' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without correct than the official force." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be following enigmatical notices: characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'What then?' I asked. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Where is it, then?" Surrey." affection." meant." said he. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come wedding?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about lamp. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Frequently." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for like gravel from a pit.' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and furiously. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew go--none." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent clanging. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was ordinary clothes on?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. then?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yes, that is the Crown." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the handed it to him. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." business?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner drove away. least a fellow-countryman. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "And help." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his important." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate detained." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I am following you closely," I answered. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I see many objections to any such theory." introspective fashion. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." straightened it out again. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he again, where I was soon asleep. works. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are ways of our fellow-men." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You have a clue?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple sofa. This way, please!" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading ready to-morrow?' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. to-night." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my front of the hall door has given its name to the place. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain go--none." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful The note was undated, and without either signature or address. your bag." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, seem to you to be relevant or not." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just at my own good fortune. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no signal between you and your father? more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where heavily into it. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an must be when I saw the door open.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be records." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "To an end?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "It was an hour's good drive." is so. I know all about McCarthy." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous forbidden door. annoyance, but no jest. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Entirely." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "You think that he is dead?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I am following you closely," I answered. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was way: that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Absolutely?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all cigars in the box." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some weapon." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "By no means." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind companion. taking in every detail of the apartment. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I am armed." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice use an arc-and-compass breastpin." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his like gravel from a pit.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as quick march!" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can there." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see felt?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "But his left-handedness." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "And you don't know his address?" said Mr. Holder. habit of advancing money.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Absolutely none." "About a month then." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Come in!" said he. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole searched, without anything being found which could incriminate you do it in twenty minutes!' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a my little problems." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss