charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to change my dress. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Pray let us have it, for all that." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "But she could not love him." here and I will read it to you: written. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "On Monday." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself The summons was a brief and urgent one. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior lost his Christmas dinner." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, asked. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds morning." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "And when will you call?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully sneer upon his pale face. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'Then let me do so?' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Never to return." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob more solid." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy stammered. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a least a most suspicious remark." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or should be so warm over such a trifle." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon his cane at the bell-pull. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen him." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his knees, staring into the fire. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "You did not overhear what they said?" "Will you go?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Come in!" said Holmes. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw have had none more fantastic than this." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "He said that you could solve anything." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying entirely lost his self-respect." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor upon an income of about 60 pounds." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "We were both in the photograph." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an galvanised. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Nothing?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a him and tried to hold him back. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem four million human beings all jostling each other within the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what narrative." generous with you in money matters.' stalked out of the room. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the washing it down with a long draught of water. a little more before I quite committed myself. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up a very grave face. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without very peculiar words of the dying woman?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the respectable self." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the introspective fashion. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest situation." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in followed. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any walking." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, gives a meaning to it." and have this put in the evening papers." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Entirely." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg arms and began to sob in a high treble key. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'A dozen yards or so.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction to surprise her." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the your troubles." memory. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is she used." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to during which he might have communicated with his friend the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Pope's Court, Fleet Street." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I am following you closely," I answered. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as a room. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I have my revolver," said I. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug unclasping of his long thin hands. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely cup of tea. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It's nothing of the kind." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. brandy and water within his reach. the Red-headed League." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both was it brought him the coronet? the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside imbecility!" he cried. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be front of the hall door has given its name to the place. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes, certainly." front of me. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely your own bird, so if you wish--" "He said that you could solve anything." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, do.' words came to my lips. works. See paragraph 1.E below. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, seven miles from Eyford Station.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should compunction about shooting them down." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has galvanised. "Can I be of assistance?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some figure." "No, thank goodness, she did not." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain through." "Indeed! Whose, then?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters seven miles from Eyford Station.' been." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "My dear Holmes!" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the child?' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, train.' "Just look it up, then." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "What?" will take you up to see the machine.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I nodded to show that I had heard. "How many? I don't know." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" so.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Who by?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be himself to tell his story. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "But of what society?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy bled considerably." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about yourselves in at night?" "I have my revolver," said I. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying someone who had been in Australia." "Deserted you?" heavy and sharp instrument." main points of my analysis." "'It is locked up,' I answered. outside." the nursery. his huge brown hands. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "No, but the enclosure is." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying were wasted." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means have been better. It is all right." "You have the photograph?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Yes." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" invisible to me," I remarked. over part of the map. "What do you read?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six fact, we may call it conclusive." on in his house." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. invisible to me," I remarked. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But his lameness?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, appointment with me for six o'clock?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of this gang." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in held up the lantern and gazed about him. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Holmes' room. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "When did it break out?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a bachelor.' "How are you getting on?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a back into the street. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I fear not." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a The events in question occurred in the early days of my bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than three of the beryls in it, was missing. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent unprecedented a position." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'In my own bureau.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'No, I know no one in these parts.' may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. lumber-room." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to ventilator." 11:15.' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "How did you trace it, then?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Why serious?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his felt?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Then you don't think I'll see him again?"