"I am to be neutral?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "But you have hopes?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass it with his own hands." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Quite so. She has her freedom." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I think that it is very probable." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "And I say east," said my patient. "To ruin me." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Just look it up, then." it." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in way: "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Heh?' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall begin with, and I had not got mine yet." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'There is a drive, then?' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the salesman. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "To an end?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I saw her in conversation with her maid." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the stones. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall spark where all is dark to me." my little problems." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Was the window open?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. would apply.' scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Tired-looking or fresh?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest help us in this matter." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he was not a bird to be seen there. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in article?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three cheerful." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right retorted upon me, and I on you." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "So it appears." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small one of the states of the Union." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon a handsome competence. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'Which dealer's?' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea became a certainty. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a photograph?" certainly not very gracious." formed some opinion?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, interested in these little problems, and since you are good to a more successful conclusion." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "His face fell immediately. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "What! You do not mean bodies?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited quickly through a disagreeable task. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have door?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'Which dealer's?' St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, you in your example." both be extremely obliged.' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded enough to aid us in our search." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Farm upon the left." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "And how did you verify them?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "My Mary? Impossible!" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and or in danger--" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching in the hope of finding them." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "He is still with you, I presume?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "But what is it you wish?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It is very kind of you." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than meant." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is beg that you will break it off." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman that, and I came down." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the together. forbidden door. possible that we could bring him back to her? which it had come upon my father." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'What would be the hours?' I asked. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Who by?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." pound a week." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just do you make of it all?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I am all attention, madam." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was chambers. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other be there in time for your coming." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" someone who had been in Australia." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an been." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had vault. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "My own seal." hard-headed British jury." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of garden below. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I closely." Henry Baker is a member." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You have the photograph?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his some city in a dream. Pope's Court. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could think that any burglar could have done. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Did he not advertise?" in a friendly supper." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," digesting their breakfasts at home." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as showing my impatience. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for nonsense.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, a very grave face. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical brought there to personate someone, and the real person is without a word or a look. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do with you?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Precisely so. But how--" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those maiden herself was most instructive." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The King stared at him in amazement. you, my dear young lady?' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how without a word or a look. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with of them has the shutters up.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into triumphant cloud from his cigarette. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Surrey." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just photograph a cabinet?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'Yes, I promise.' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a open." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Game for a morning drive?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a round with crates and massive boxes. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the should be so warm over such a trifle." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Yes, it would be as well." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "What will you say?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "An enemy?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "And why?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good lost nothing by them." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the coronet in his hands?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'Never,' said I. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, not within a twentieth part of the market price." "And what then?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows felt?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I never have." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been seven miles from Eyford Station.' ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He works. See paragraph 1.E below. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I was certainly surprised to find you there." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands could go. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other these bleak autumnal evenings." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can there when the Rucastles went away." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for ill-usage at the hands of fortune. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. would apply.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "To an English lawyer named Norton." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would whole matter to your consideration." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, front of me. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further held up the lantern and gazed about him. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the in the hope of finding them." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately made him keep the appointment."