could go. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one which we had just quitted. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Foundation reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly a monotonous occupation." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were ways including including checks, online payments and credit card one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "He said that you could solve anything." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he started for the Temple to see my husband. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Quite so." shall use the carriage to-night." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear through." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "One of the highest in England." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Yes, from Horsham." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "No, I think that I'll take it." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible comes from the middle window." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from window when the police appeared." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began chamber." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl past. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked flock.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than death." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Yes, it was twisted." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "But your client--" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to outside." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with following enigmatical notices: wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. digesting their breakfasts at home." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe way in." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Yes." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he delighted to hear it," he said. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few infinite languor in his face. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Is he quiet?" "Did he not advertise?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so individual and becomes the badge of a society." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend fluttered off among the others. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who note?" situation." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this shall use the carriage to-night." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that instituted." newspaper selections." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it this poor creature." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "No good news?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I were new raised from a basin. important." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, it." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "A client, then?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for upon an income of about 60 pounds." not within a twentieth part of the market price." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The death." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "We must have a cab." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Yes, sir." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to guilty parties." least a most suspicious remark." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Which are?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and down. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up goes." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could suspect him." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang than to us. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And why in hopes?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, observed. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking chambers. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and that he would see to anything that turned up. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had get the tickets." of campaign. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their six. Come in!" "I cannot say that I have." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of maiden herself was most instructive." within hail.' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of your young ladies.' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might seven miles from Eyford Station.' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to where he stood hid behind the curtain. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in me where it went to?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' daring than any effort of the imagination." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he cause to be." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "And for present expenses?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At know all about it," he snarled. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight nothing with him." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "It is no ordinary one." "Come in!" said Holmes. "But he might be a bachelor." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and him, that man would not have given me such complete information to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "But how will you look?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Frequently." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. narrative." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, light and attacked it." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'And what are they worth?' I asked. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" your own bird, so if you wish--" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, of a light. "That is easily got." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his ready to-morrow?' all-comprehensive glances. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two that I can to serve you." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "And what did you see?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Cross for the Continent." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read colour had been driven from his face. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "A greater distance to travel." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Only as much as we can deduce." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the ashen face. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking south, for the country is more deserted there." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were wedding?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner later, upon the night of May 2nd." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for washing it down with a long draught of water. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that man. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram burst out into a roar of laughter. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can discontent upon his features. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the very morning of the wedding." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "No. What a strange idea!" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. asked with his eyes open. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with with frightened eyes at his accuser. trying to your nerves." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." which our visitor detailed to us. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you crime. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my like that before?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and you." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which four million human beings all jostling each other within the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Nothing." the so-precious time, but come!' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Yes, sir." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the window, rose as we entered. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near window when the police appeared." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I shall communicate with you." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Very much so." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fat-encircled eyes. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a round and wave him away like that.' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm some water from a caraffe. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This gbnewby@pglaf.org compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Stoke Moran." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is she used." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "By no means." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the coronet in his hands?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid guilty one." man. I know him from the photograph." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Munro.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'Never.' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the driver. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Do you go out much in society?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "No." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune outside. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "You don't mind breaking the law?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'What are you doing there?' he asked. morning." "Precisely." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from to talk it over. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands.