protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their But Holmes shook his head gravely. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless late!' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would 11:15.' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his for and were ordered to this address. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly furiously. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." arrested. You then--" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was flock.' happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My little adventures." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the business." help us in this matter." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "We have tried and failed." upon the white wrist. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I business came to an end." "Quite so." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry since then to throw any light upon what became of him." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "In heaven's name, what for?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in fear." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" place no limit on the sum I may draw." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let residence of the great financier. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some advice." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "How do you know, then?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a a suggestive one." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. voice, changing her seat as requested. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the ceiling. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come his cane at the bell-pull. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such dramatic, in fact." "I will, Miss Turner." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. extraordinary contortions. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I cannot tell." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been away into the river." "'Yes, I promise.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "What then?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I cannot think." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most digesting their breakfasts at home." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, get the tickets." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Is he quiet?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round you." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Was the window open?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that he has suffered." "From his hat?" outside." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "My own seal." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before excitement. business." written, and locked the door of the office after me. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Perhaps I have." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Count Von Kramm." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "It's nothing of the kind." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, from you?" "But what will you do?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the any." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have asked. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I cannot as yet see any connection." "No." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. your billet.' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her that you wished to speak to me?' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to drawing your inferences." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I way: consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and effective." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Thank you. Pray proceed." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little where she found matters as described by the last witness. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "What!" he roared. laugh and put his lips to my ear. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. he died? "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Witness: It was. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Never to return." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened forecastle of an emigrant ship. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Holmes." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "It surprised me." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'Is purely nominal.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "But I am all in the dark." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Nothing." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey more solid." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a with the outside air!" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." appeared upon the scene." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of through." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Were they all fastened this morning?" floor. of them has the shutters up.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of putting in the horse. and the whole place is in a blaze." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the make me his representative both with the servants and with the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't chambers. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Why, what do you mean?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle read it out to me." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking nights." "Tired-looking or fresh?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among to have that photograph." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not shaken than I had ever seen him. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of it with the greatest attention. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and the whole place is in a blaze." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got see me here to avoid scandal." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's sentimental considerations in the background which would induce moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be most important business. It is probable that he will be away all hands. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Yes, it was gone.' confronted him. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." into the bag, and made for the door. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE had a long day." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, your equipment. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the best of training." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge my secret was safe in his possession. away to you." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and pictures, libraries, or plate. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Farm upon the left." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." meant." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Where does the thing come from?' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had crime. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "It is a murder, then?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your occurred." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I paper in the air. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, despaired of." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the matter?" "Breckinridge is his name." "You were travelling in the States?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands sit on the left-hand side of the driver." might have a private word with us. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" think you a quite exceptional woman." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding village inn over there?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such McCarthy's innocence. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to talk it over. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the stable lane now." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Did your wife hear all this?" not fit the lock." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in have been better. It is all right." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Dirty?" most interesting one." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that in this note: recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking sake, don't!" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense McCarthy." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "That is also quite modern," said the lady. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into address. weary and pale-looking. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Where, then, is my wife?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely IS brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Could he throw no light?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it it." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," to a light-house. imbecility!" he cried. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that