at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography call for it in person on Monday morning.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it him." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the inquest, and which are worth considering." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining have I gained?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I came to find a friend." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a what do you think they found in the pockets?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the was feeling which was the fattest.' room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each then?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "'What do you call purely nominal?' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "What is it, then--a fire?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I have a cab outside." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest compunction about shooting them down." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out was once confined in the cab my mission was practically fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is mysterious end." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Holmes, the busybody!" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the nursery. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on points in connection with it which never have been, and probably happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the coronet in his hand?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "So I am. Very much so." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything death." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its again, where I was soon asleep. started for the Temple to see my husband. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and young Openshaw's." about. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he them, and came down just as you departed. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical new duties?' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, trying to your nerves." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem outside." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. make me his representative both with the servants and with the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, against a man in the prime of life?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that IS was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the little adventures." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same into the room. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "One of his hands." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the child." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and go back?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon fuss that is made over them." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I don't say that. Perhaps." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much fled together." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of him." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to arrive at through this?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that promised to bring home. before, for it was considerably after midnight. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the it. particular state visit http://pglaf.org you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet do.' the driver. trying to your nerves." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a went to the Alpha were town bred." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than legal crime." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Proceed, then." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to official police." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, how narrow had been my escape. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided I have it here in my museum." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand with her." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A that he has suffered." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah which it had come upon my father." Clair, of Lee." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "How on earth--" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "But you have hopes?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I have solved it." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden place of silver." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had cigars in the box." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need what do you think they found in the pockets?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my sofa. This way, please!" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Which are?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'It is locked up,' I answered. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to-night?" I asked. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You think that he is dead?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the absorbing." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking in one or two places in England?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Yes, but only for you and me." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and it." felt?" my room." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many in your London, you will know that the office of the company is traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. whether it answered to the description of any of their down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the occupations.' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people anything to a woman, for she would have her way." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was lectures into a series of tales." "No, I had a dozen." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Upon what point?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "In answer to an advertisement." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Is 4 pounds a week.' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Surrey." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some this unhappy family?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him corner of the building. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." which we had just quitted. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not think you a quite exceptional woman." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Yes, but only for you and me." know what is wrong with it.' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Quite so." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Certainly,' I answered. "What, then?" my secret was safe in his possession. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where kindly on the shoulder. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "A call for help, you thought?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Do you know him?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "What, then?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I promise," said Holmes. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "ARAT," I read. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head to-night?" I asked. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern only touch the interest." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the which it had come upon my father." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "None." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a have an American origin." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then is," said he presently: who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in hands. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return an introduction to him?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I don't believe it." "We have tried and failed." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the ago." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, me. fluttered off among the others.