used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. more terrible than the truth. a good hundred miles off by now." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "It surprised me." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no touch that coronet?' "If so, much may have happened between." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again gives a meaning to it." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "It is his hat." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the general public were present, then?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be posted to-day." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. public press." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Was he the only applicant?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. more terrible than the truth. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and lumber-room." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is writing, and yet I know it well." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'Certainly,' I answered. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all as he remarks, very much against the son." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the me where it went to?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far and have this put in the evening papers." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one good-night and bustled off upon her way. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'How far from the body?' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I shall most certainly do so." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." good-night and bustled off upon her way. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry down. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the driver. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture sneer upon his pale face. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the thought that she would have been so carried away." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You have the photograph?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, would then never go into court at all." goes." "But of what society?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise one else, I think." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not meant." when you have done it." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you sneer upon his pale face. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you placed his cuttings. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it sparkled upon his finger. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps crackling voice. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the little opening for the ventilator is." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a I nodded to show that I had heard. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Was she in good spirits?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "But you can know nothing of this?" be.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of done what I asked you, Jones?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on dead, shall be safe with us." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "And the cigar-holder?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, deduce something from that?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, excitement. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." ways of our fellow-men." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade impression behind it as though a window had gently closed across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Was she in good spirits?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my events, Mr. Windibank!" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." few hundred pounds.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to tell." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn despaired of." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week unprofitable." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the pierced for earrings?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "She walked into the breakfast-room." of Fenchurch Street." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "My last client of the sort was a king." was already answered. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." in the port of London." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Perhaps I have." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, written, and locked the door of the office after me. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." wanted for ourselves." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the coronet in his hands?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some cost them two and thirty pounds." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this with some details as to your case." point in the dark hollow of his hand. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in you in your example." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the inquest, and which are worth considering." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards experiences." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De would apply.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. bachelor.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It were wasted." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the nonsense.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the bed, and you in that chair." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "No, finished." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. himself to hunt down. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have was once confined in the cab my mission was practically never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I money should be paid at once.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had security.' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "But you have hopes?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my before the coroner and the police-court." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and it need not interfere very much with one's other "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, a suggestive one." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." bill, which interests me deeply." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young will find little credit to be gained out of this case." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Precisely so. But how--" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the photograph?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Then let me do so?' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "No." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Yes." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you his wife has ceased to love him." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "That is easily got." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he some place of shelter and let the county police know what has for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "My dear Holmes!" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." when you have done it." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his round and wave him away like that.' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." if she died from some sudden fright." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a formed some opinion?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City your most interesting statement." "Yes, it was twisted." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. was a perfect sample of the class. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It is his hat." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, other, as fresh and trim as possible. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His to a more successful conclusion." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King late!' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. made his money." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an question," said Holmes, smiling. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "You think so, too?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. him to be an active member of the medical profession." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' just ask you whether you had heard it.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I see no marks." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Eyford." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come papers must be those that are destroyed.' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Bought." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I will get her to show me." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of newspaper selections." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "It is very kind of you." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Did he not advertise?" "What shall I do?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this noise which awoke you from your sleep?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a