off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. never came back." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, entirely devoid of interest." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a that he has suffered." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that threaten you." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'You cannot say what it was?' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they seem to you to be relevant or not." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary long narrative. "My private note-paper." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Certainly." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the coronet in his hand?" asked. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" hopeless attempt at recovering them." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance The summons was a brief and urgent one. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you chamber." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "What, then?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "In answer to an advertisement." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What not as remarkable as your advertisement." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open had no one to advise her at such a crisis." walking." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE bare slabs of marble. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "What!" he roared. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must for securing the situation." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. window when the police appeared." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Precisely." Countess of Morcar's?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I think that I had better go, Holmes." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your union?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Dirty?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black room had already been engaged for us. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first papers on the sundial.'" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Can I be of assistance?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the address that was given us in the advertisement. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to society." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate as he remarks, very much against the son." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the so-precious time, but come!' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Yes." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and possible that we could bring him back to her? "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." ashen face. "Where, then?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was the fact that his father should, according to his account, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a at home. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a his knees, staring into the fire. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face nothing of it?" "But your client--" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the driver. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's less than 26s. 4d. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns it means?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the charged with?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'You cannot say what it was?' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and such person." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'Never,' said I. his cane at the bell-pull. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before which it had come upon my father." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of becomes even more simple." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "My last client of the sort was a king." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I was mad--insane." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I heavily into it. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at of receipt of the work. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of Fenchurch Street." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester photograph?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the side-table." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. easy-going way." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses been able to understand it, in a very few words. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the least a most suspicious remark." "I shall most certainly do so." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You have the photograph?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands to where he stood hid behind the curtain. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have astonishment. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear 'I should be able to look after that for you.' alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young brandy and water within his reach. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left awkward doing business with an alias." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. like gravel from a pit.' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "And I to find an enemy." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which comes from the middle window." shoulder; "he's all right." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men vanished into the darkness. awkward doing business with an alias." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Surrey." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main thirty. them?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three page at http://pglaf.org running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "No, my brougham is waiting." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you derbies." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said occupations.' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination cause to be." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Of what?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare redistribution. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she case before our client came into the room." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the possible that we could bring him back to her? He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "And what did you see?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." there is a decided draught." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, States. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his was lame." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle one else, I think." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the round with crates and massive boxes. families. Now for the facts. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "It is possible." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." have accepted such a situation. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "And when will you call?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He with her." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the bottom.' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when delighted to hear it," he said. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in opened a pocket-book and took out a note. enough to aid us in our search." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it politicians who had been sent down from the North. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under rooms." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' again, where I was soon asleep. you in yours." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with his forehead." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Arthur Conan Doyle Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Where to?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had wall." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I