Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to have an American origin." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the general public were present, then?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock perplexity from it to my illustrious client. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the carriage. It was a chestnut." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each test if we have an answer to our advertisement." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "That's no good." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his bedroom door." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should had this final quarrel? 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "She will not sell." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout as he folded up the epistle. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal round with crates and massive boxes. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to in. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a if I call to-morrow?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far fled together." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the general public were present, then?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it directly by questioning you." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "It came here." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case with you?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "No, my brougham is waiting." "Only as much as we can deduce." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! ready to-morrow?' with her." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was I shall communicate with you." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "The vanishing of the lady." friend's singular character. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really the stones. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her is acting for the best. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I cannot tell." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite new duties?' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been for and were ordered to this address. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which felt the room to be a little close.' the house with me." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "And what then?" sofa. This way, please!" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the salesman. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., it." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no nothing of it?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "But we can't all be." and a shock of very red hair. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "You have it, sir, just as it happened." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" voice, changing her seat as requested. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. there when the Rucastles went away." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me papers on the sundial.'" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did seem to you to be relevant or not." cup of tea. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, may have an influence upon European history." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two wanted for ourselves." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at coat-tails." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Was the window open?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Game for a morning drive?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "But she will refuse." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You did not overhear what they said?" "Texas, I think." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'Where could I find him?' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." rooms." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Won't it ring?" pound a week." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think coroner's jury." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "What do you make of that, Watson?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I would pay ten." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. enter into my head. "Precisely." was already answered. bedroom door." pressing in one house as in another. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of purpose of examination. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "How can you tell that?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, least a most suspicious remark." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "BALLARAT." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "No." I held the little printed slip to the light. "There are none." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but signal between you and your father? King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of get her out of the way." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and should be so warm over such a trifle." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "No, my brougham is waiting." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I was afraid that you were engaged." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I have it here in my museum." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He call you and give you the chance." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Did you observe the colour?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Certainly." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you fled together." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." awkward doing business with an alias." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." than to us. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Who was the criminal, then?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only some mystery and the punishment of some crime." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Holmes." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of lost nothing by them." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Perfectly so." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I have seen the police." late." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by electronic works away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue ventilator." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be status with the IRS. shall not find me ungrateful." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor interests were the same as his." have accepted such a situation. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need vanished into the darkness. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'Certainly not.' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You have but to name it." standing smiling on the door-step. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the weapon." fashion which was peculiar to him. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Witness: It was. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to washing it down with a long draught of water. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what sooner or later she must fall a victim. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." with some details as to your case." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our unkempt, staring out at me. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the bed, and you in that chair." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "You saw the ventilator, too?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "But how?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been wanted for ourselves." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself know what is wrong with it.' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Not yet." "Certainly." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. indiscretion." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you there were so many in the whole country as were brought together I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg of note-paper. It read in this fashion: crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Holmes, the busybody!" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "How about poison?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I think it very unlikely." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of get her out of the way." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when in his power. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. guilty parties." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such