a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about fluttered off among the others. "But how will you look?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "How long did she speak to this Alice?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the this Miss Turner." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Then, how do you know?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that trifles." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of giving me time to thank him. over with notes and figures. figure." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Where, indeed?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold with you alone." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do putting in the horse. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "So I heard. You have him here?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so hereditary King of Bohemia." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "We must have a cab." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is me upon any point which I do not make clear." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' an introduction to him?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to-night?' "'And what salary do you ask?' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Entirely." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. himself in a perplexing position. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I would give my fortune to have them back." This is what he says: reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Yes, it was twisted." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to-morrow." upon the sideboard." and glanced through. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "To an end?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in interests were the same as his." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Count Von Kramm." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And how did you verify them?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage your billet.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek few hundred pounds.' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted see a sister of mine apply for." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "It is his hat." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "But you have hopes?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a beyond words. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," people don't know." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, to tackle the facts." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event better in every way that they should make their position a little disappearance of these gems?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become present strange and interesting features that it is no easy of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "And how?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. with frightened eyes at his accuser. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been have I gained?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. had this final quarrel? expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'I have already given you my word.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, about. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment fact, we may call it conclusive." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "But she will refuse." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Holmes' thin, eager face. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his overpowering excitement and concern. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average points to suicide?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so suggested at once that there must be a communication between the very morning of my second wedding." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Bought." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I am all attention, madam." "So I heard. You have him here?" His name is Francis Prosper." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Seven!" I answered. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Where did you address your letters, then?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking how narrow had been my escape. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage brain must have something in it." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard mystery." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that with frightened eyes at his accuser. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Was she in good spirits?" in a very precise fashion." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Just look it up, then." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I am about to be married." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, purpose of examination. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I unclasping of his long thin hands. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as absorbing." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco of the one which your family is now devouring." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what It may be so in this case, also." was a lad." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and be best to do. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When quite distinctive." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of chill to my heart. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "By all means." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who to a more successful conclusion." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'And what salary do you ask?' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking posted to-day." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'How far from the body?' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "But she will refuse." the coronet at all injured?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" know what is wrong with it.' "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Certainly, madam." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "At half-wages, in fact." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and companion. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I have hopes." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "No, but the enclosure is." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fuss that is made over them." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who call you and give you the chance." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do you understand?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "That is unusual in a young girl." been deceived." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the stable lane now." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing head. So long, then!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the station." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall present." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond is so. I know all about McCarthy." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost remarked. "Did your wife hear all this?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. man. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Well." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been perplexity from it to my illustrious client. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was carriage. It was a chestnut." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his October 9, 1890. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Imitated." "Deserted you?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell your bag." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms conclusions. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk sufficient punishment." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" whether it answered to the description of any of their 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." occurred." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "No good news?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for thirty. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "No more words. Get out!" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Never." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," a very grave face. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Could he throw no light?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and wait." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I have come for advice." Project Gutenberg-tm works. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And why?" was already answered. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the written, and locked the door of the office after me. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Only as much as we can deduce." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' hardly wander." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled fear." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "And your mother is alive?" "'I am sure if I had known--' "'What do you call purely nominal?' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain them?" clanging. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened