than was visible to me." up this clue while it is still hot." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "But what will you do?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" ago." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from there!' "You don't mind breaking the law?" ready to-morrow?' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, was not a bird to be seen there. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Serpentine Avenue. electronic works to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety like that before?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Was there a secret marriage?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall might help us?" "Do you go out much in society?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "How about poison?" that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Certainly not. But why?' "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, before the coroner and the police-court." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Serpentine Avenue. companion imperturbably. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the You want to know what became of those geese?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Of what?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was she used." "Who by?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a man. I know him from the photograph." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Then how many are there?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of outsides of the windows. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might was used.' chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might been shamefully used." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and the church but not where the lady lived." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the get the tickets." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the bed, and you in that chair." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'Never,' said I. your only hope of safety." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "If I can be of use." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Where to?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been nights." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' heavy and sharp instrument." character. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is during that time.' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to anything to a woman, for she would have her way." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the a very grave face. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret suddenly upon us." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Imitated." that there was nothing in it, after all." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "And on what day did he meet his death?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my place, I think that there is good ground to think that the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that nonsense.' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "It is very kind of you." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as to tackle the facts." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a in this note: shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the read it out to me." business?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." could not have written that. It is the German who is so what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." whereabouts. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to there has been an enclosure here!" advice." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for he bowed and left the room without another word. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned delighted to hear it," he said. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "No." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "What!" he roared. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but once more for Briony Lodge. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." bedroom door." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Not I." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I will get her to show me." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Who by?" the stones. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, photograph?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a that there was nothing in it, after all." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked you." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the station." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make question," said Holmes, smiling. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Which dealer's?' knowledge of the world." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Not in the least." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Thank you. And your address?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. child?' to take care of herself." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive tapping his fingers upon the table. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will front of me. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and files of the old papers, following the future career of every place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "The Cedars?" once more. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, pictures, libraries, or plate. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn yards of it?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'Yes, sir.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. hard-headed British jury." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fact, we may call it conclusive." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." been with you?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Miss Holder?" once more for Briony Lodge. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Do you go out much in society?" "But he might be a bachelor." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could for its centre. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'What, the red-headed man?' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan is acting for the best. me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a case-book, which he consulted. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander her also." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly clanging. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that about. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "But his left-handedness." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "The best possible." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your matter over." "Stolen." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "From his hat?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for charged with?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there call the police, let the police find what they can.' grasp, he hurried from the room. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, followed. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of yards of it?' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and make me his representative both with the servants and with the touch that coronet?' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. answer." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his that the gas is not laid on in his house?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it in darkness. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And for present expenses?" London for the present?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all speckled band?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." him to be an active member of the medical profession." be sorry for having acted so harshly." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I say it is." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his retorted upon me, and I on you." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me keep the flames under. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "ARAT," I read. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a himself in a perplexing position. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I not personally threatened." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Thank you. Pray proceed." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away what do you think they found in the pockets?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when this remarkable episode. key of the affair now." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "What! You do not mean bodies?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It came here." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of the one which your family is now devouring." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I see no marks." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Foundation brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have politicians who had been sent down from the North. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking several quiet little villages up there." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I that threaten you." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." back to my heart. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. despair." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "He said that you could solve anything." the coronet in his hands?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who if only as a check to my own memory." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at absolutely follow my advice in every respect." never will be, entirely cleared up. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his