"Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking had a long day." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." which it had come upon my father." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Where, then, is my wife?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are house for five minutes.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "How about poison?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "My Mary? Impossible!" coroner's jury." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't again, where I was soon asleep. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it fish-monger and a tide-waiter." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and into the bag, and made for the door. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of father's young wife. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Pool. be sorry for having acted so harshly." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may newspaper selections." quick march!" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the copied or distributed: to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a problems help me to do so." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your cost them two and thirty pounds." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than call you and give you the chance." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you may never be exposed to such a temptation." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the presented more singular features than that which was associated the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "But not more so than I to find you." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? your only hope of safety." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the tapping his fingers upon the table. arrested. You then--" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "That is not always so easy." plantation.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I would give my fortune to have them back." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself II. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I leave." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice tension within him. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "To an English lawyer named Norton." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And how did you find out?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows ran thus: the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia shoulder; "he's all right." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "It is to him that this trophy belongs." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will swore that no one else had been in the front room during the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as exactly what you advise." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always could not have written that. It is the German who is so the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing several quiet little villages up there." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the everything which you would wish to know." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just families. Now for the facts. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You know me, then?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, way: "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with weary and pale-looking. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial in your London, you will know that the office of the company is and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest gigantic client. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over get the tickets." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Get out!" said he. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice room?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were to a light-house. late." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the for securing the situation." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Not yet." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come if only as a check to my own memory." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Sholtos." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "And what did you see?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and to his chemical studies. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Did your wife hear all this?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put off." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" union?" States. crackling voice. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for exactly what you advise." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'Certainly not.' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Certainly." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we mysterious business." "Yes, only one." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Deserted you?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My make me his representative both with the servants and with the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure have accepted such a situation. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had bedroom door." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Arthur Conan Doyle been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Never to return." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an thin legs towards the fire. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and no precautions can guard against." your bag." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "It is true that I have been generally successful." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to London for the present?" "She told me to ask you." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with he died? "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "If so, much may have happened between." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Where, then, is my wife?" husband's writing, madam." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the have accepted such a situation. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left when your master had gone out." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such James Windibank. Voilà tout!" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain lips." shall use the carriage to-night." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Pope's Court, Fleet Street." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, manager. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it room had already been engaged for us. appeal." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the through." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl together. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the was shining brightly. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without constraint." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got in one or two places in England?' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is of receipt of the work. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my gives a meaning to it." drove away. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught your billet.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I am to be neutral?" "Only as much as we can deduce." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in carried out of court." father's place of business?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "None. Neville wrote those words." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Dr. Gregory B. Newby charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "And from a noble client?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Then how many are there?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which happened." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the me upon any point which I do not make clear." upon the sideboard." London for the present?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography said Mr. Holder. "May I see it?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Not yet." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Here?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the roots. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Eyford at 11:15.' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham for securing the situation." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was kindly on the shoulder. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are success. works. See paragraph 1.E below. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Was she in good spirits?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Not I." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of quite distinctive." "Has he come with you to-night?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the general public were present, then?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Stolen, then." it were putty." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom call for it in person on Monday morning.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the Assizes." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a hopeless attempt at recovering them." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "What I expected to see." presume?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at questioning and rather startled gaze. "Not in a good cause." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "But she will refuse." and the whole place is in a blaze." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself congenial hunt. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were details." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, not come at once?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Oh, yes, easily." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to noble correspondent could be. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at