chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "No, but the enclosure is." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "But what is it you wish?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some out of this horrible affair." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of row." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." at my remark. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a meant it for the best. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "What do you make of that, Watson?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be of them has the shutters up.' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become behind me. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." that, and I came down." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "And you can do nothing until then?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be in his hands." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "And you don't know his address?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, him to go away.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "From his hat?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been bonnet, and went out." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I these bleak autumnal evenings." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper looking up at the numbers of the houses." eavesdroppers?' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" to-night?" I asked. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged means taking possession of that which another person has a prior ventilator." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the date of his supposed suicide." "Not social, then?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, carriage. It was a chestnut." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained distinguish the words: "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of him to be an active member of the medical profession." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, hurried away. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, just ask you whether you had heard it.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dates and names. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called it." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a neither fascinating nor artistic." and all of them with the keenest interest. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold assist you in forming an opinion." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the hour." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Foundation companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole morning." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every will he say when he returns?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I approached. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which him. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Was your sister dressed?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat recall any case within my experience which looked at the first platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "It must be recovered." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "How do you know, then?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Yes." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Is he quiet?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has II. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Witness: I must still refuse. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock believe that I should never have any practice at all. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said a suggestive one." of the way of danger. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to whether it answered to the description of any of their brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very your co-operation." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked and I shall be with you presently." go from here to the Strand." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the on re-entering her father's house?" married her." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at to-night?" I asked. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. was it brought him the coronet? counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and not as remarkable as your advertisement." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "And your father? Did you tell him?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster get her out of the way." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Yesterday." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was important." them present such singular features as the strange train of Again Holmes raved in the air. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my despair." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from name is different." both be extremely obliged.' residence of the great financier. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you weapon." have not had my rubber." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the some terrible trap for her." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon is now desirous of getting those letters back." "VIOLET HUNTER." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the very morning of the wedding." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "It is very kind of you." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without any more." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea persecution?" giving me time to thank him. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." roused himself from his reverie. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were is worth.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! point in the dark hollow of his hand. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United could go. front of me. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into in his hands." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which upon an income of about 60 pounds." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's his huge brown hands. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and looked back. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It developed." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "But you have hopes?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the congratulate you again." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a is acting for the best. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his forehead." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "But how will you look?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and to have been novel and of interest." cigars in the box." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Where to?' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "But how did you gain them?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Perhaps we may make them less so." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. that you saw all that I did." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second to-morrow." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so to-morrow." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as tapping his fingers upon the table. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, coroner's jury." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "No, distinctly professional." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'I am sure that I do not know.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Countess of Morcar's?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Not him." the King without delay." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. outside." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their passage and a tap at the door. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons photograph?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in this as likely?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "How did that help you?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Where, then, is my wife?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "So it appears." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Then I shall certainly come." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked