father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there affair. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Then, how do you know?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for off." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "My Mary? Impossible!" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I photograph?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime acquaintance?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Very much so." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I shall communicate with you." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this of it with the greatest attention. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "And is that all?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing appointment with me for six o'clock?" any more." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, you, my dear young lady?' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Nothing?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I will, Miss Turner." this unhappy family?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Foundation "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Perfectly so." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in your bag." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Then, as to money?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Here?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to bell. Holmes whistled. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink The police have openly confessed that they can at present make I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I have hopes." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' trying to your nerves." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "That is possible." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "The gentleman I describe." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down chambers. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." of campaign. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Ample." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and too. "We have tried and failed." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and no precautions can guard against." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Bought." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Quite so." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Here?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I know where it is." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe was already answered. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On writers could invent nothing more crude." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see enter into my head. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "But of what society?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the have been better. It is all right." on re-entering her father's house?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "What! Had he lost his wife?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE himself. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to had formerly been in part my own. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and October 9, 1890. Lee, in the county of Kent." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of nonsense.' where we are going." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, public press." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "You are all wrong." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the go back?" "'In my own bureau.' woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his strength in the others." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there used to be." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out looking up at the numbers of the houses." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "It was a confession," I ejaculated. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was to a more successful conclusion." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very my former friend and companion. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an be there in time for your coming." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. you?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Nearly eleven." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, shoulder; "he's all right." "And your father? Did you tell him?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the some water from a caraffe. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men situation." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have golden eyeglasses. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible case before our client came into the room." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "My opinion is in no way altered." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "If I can be of use." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the you." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Married! When?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he leaning back in his chair. touch that coronet?' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with late." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag if I call to-morrow?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Pray do so." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Dr. Becher's." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "The best possible." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the nursery. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if entirely devoid of interest." "And is that all?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah disappearance of the bride.'" and your relations to her." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Yes, only one." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted my friend's incisive reasoning. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What have you to say now?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "An enemy?" quickly through a disagreeable task. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "So I am. Very much so." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child client, rising. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their during that time.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Entirely." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Pray continue your narrative." might have a private word with us. "But of what society?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." ceremony." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with go--none." sound at heart." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "By no means." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'Yes, I promise.' suspect him." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The such person." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "My last client of the sort was a king." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms children over to America with him, so that I found myself without managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Literary Archive Foundation stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a assist you in forming an opinion." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." from the brougham. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten your co-operation." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of voice, changing her seat as requested. thin legs towards the fire. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I corner of the building. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a to some other building. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might client, rising. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No at my remark. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet became a certainty. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a walking." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. matters immensely." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with this remarkable episode. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Yes, the wine-cellar." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Clair, of Lee." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "No." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of your most interesting statement." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and prosperity to your house. Good-night." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." it means?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you may never be exposed to such a temptation." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring outside. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that mysterious end." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Then I shall certainly come." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible I nodded again. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Always." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent