the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I that I may have something better before very many minutes are permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as this Miss Turner." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Witness: It was. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the meant." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Not in a good cause." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my back alive. galvanised. "Holmes, the busybody!" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And what then?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man if I call to-morrow?" forbidden door. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had infinite languor in his face. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time information in his hands the value of which he did not himself nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "And is that all?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all everything which you would wish to know." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Yes." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable it means?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. gentleman's clothes. again on its way. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Upon what point?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of you want, then?' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "That was it, sir." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to sparkled upon his finger. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I will get her to show me." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the as this. Pray let me have the details." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be that, and I came down." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "My dear Holmes!" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I tension within him. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, least a most suspicious remark." of them has the shutters up.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his arrested. You then--" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our fled together." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "And why?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a fatally injured? paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the with her." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle and have this put in the evening papers." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the gone. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the roots. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Where did he live, then?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small fire. You quite follow me?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "You will not go there first?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then you may entirely rely on me." instituted." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your death." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "He disappeared so suddenly." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, stammered. rat could hardly pass through." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I answered that I had not. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my cup of tea. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to drawing your inferences." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to have been novel and of interest." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that works. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Certainly." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "One of the highest in England." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "It missed him, then?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "It was an hour's good drive." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "And how did you verify them?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret made him keep the appointment." delighted to hear it," he said. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Imitated." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that I think that I could be of assistance to you." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, gone. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged attention." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which children over to America with him, so that I found myself without in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'Yes, sir.' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Then the page we have seen--" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. what I may call a really hard day's work." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon His name is Francis Prosper." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. system of imprisonment?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "None." case before our client came into the room." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the woman." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It missed him, then?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the ceiling. to have been novel and of interest." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute remarked. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There beyond words. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the side. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into nothing of it?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here himself. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "What, then?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "And why?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that you can jump it.' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "And the cigar-holder?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was of Fenchurch Street." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "But how did you gain them?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. what do you think they found in the pockets?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'A dozen yards or so.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my six. Come in!" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "BALLARAT." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." me where it went to?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. with the outside air!" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "And Irene Adler?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us daring than any effort of the imagination." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unprecedented a position." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Again Holmes raved in the air. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. front of me. criminal. We have already had experience of such." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Only as much as we can deduce." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of Mr. Rucastle's." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in III. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Yes, all." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Witness: I must still refuse. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "My last client of the sort was a king." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Do you go out much in society?" have got?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'Yes.' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. went to the Alpha were town bred." Count Von Kramm." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You are hungry," I remarked. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in one of the states of the Union." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'Where to?' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had in my life." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "You heard nothing yourself last night?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I shall most certainly do so." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my showing my impatience. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity knowledge of the world." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "What office?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I cannot tell." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey think, you have already met." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Holmes' thin, eager face. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Then, how do you know?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so then?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they them present such singular features as the strange train of not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Well, some hundreds of times." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "And did you observe any change in her then?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting