offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." all that?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was thought that she would have been so carried away." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast like that before?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Well?" heavily into it. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or in a friendly supper." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the are windows in it, of course?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of chamber." "Precisely so. But how--" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and files of the old papers, following the future career of every conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining paper in the air. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to surprise her." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to room. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "He said too much." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I happened." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And learned something! Where are the gems?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" from the brougham. already referred to. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the ceiling. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Not him." prison!" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my putting in the horse. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "And I say east," said my patient. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for habit of advancing money.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'No, I know no one in these parts.' be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in not within a twentieth part of the market price." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and looked back. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and prosperity to your house. Good-night." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round goes." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round paper in the air. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "What will you do, then?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the conceal it?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by mysterious business." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the tragedy. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I residence of the great financier. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "At half-wages, in fact." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You have compromised yourself seriously." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" lost nothing by them." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to tell." "Then I am your man." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Why? What do you mean?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "But his left-handedness." house for five minutes.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." of this gang." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I cannot think." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy know all about it," he snarled. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Here?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" minor matters until to-morrow." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would politicians who had been sent down from the North. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Will you bet, then?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "But who is he?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission wife's character?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" of Fenchurch Street." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "But what harm can there be in that?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "That is it on the dressing-table." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful sake, don't!" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was which was all perfectly true. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey asked with his eyes open. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "It certainly sounds feasible." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with for the market.' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Certainly not. But why?' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "May I see it?" to tell." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to 'please.'" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I know where it is." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "How did you deduce the select?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No good news?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Certainly, madam." and effective." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," that I may have something better before very many minutes are Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I cannot imagine." tell me that you intended to go into harness." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I there when the Rucastles went away." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a matter over." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have little adventures." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Yes, but only for you and me." "And why in hopes?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion your troubles." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Nothing." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his nice household for a young lady." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Yesterday." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "What then?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was yet." o'clock is it?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the house with me." "If so, much may have happened between." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the fire. You quite follow me?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending gone. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an that?' surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of kind enough to tell me what I should do." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to-night?" I asked. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Very murderous indeed." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. legal crime." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Dr. Gregory B. Newby everything which you would wish to know." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Well?" off." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "But it has twice been burgled." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Well?" client, rising. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it your bag." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the matter?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him ordinary clothes on?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." a room. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "How did he come?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do completely overtopped every other consideration that we both your billet.' fait accompli?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the affection." not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able indiscretion." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There said I. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused most interesting one." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I have a cab outside." "That is easily got." hopeless attempt at recovering them." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each pressing in one house as in another. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "It is no ordinary one." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "No, I am descending." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and problems help me to do so." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the cigars in the box." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are arms and began to sob in a high treble key. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It surprised me." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business you?' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very your sleep?' might have a private word with us. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come you in your example." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight made him keep the appointment." was feeling which was the fattest.' "Yesterday." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at will take you up to see the machine.' I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, will take you up to see the machine.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My bachelor.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "That also I could fathom." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I beg pardon." over part of the map. "What do you read?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. very old mansion. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the did not hear it also.' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me you." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached disappearance of the bride.'" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Of Friday, June 19th." man. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, of the one which your family is now devouring." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the loss of it. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled she used." "'And the work?' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should some city in a dream. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular