homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Yes, the wine-cellar." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." of this gang." "What is it?" some water from a caraffe. which are rolled in Rotterdam." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "My photograph." nights." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn there when the Rucastles went away." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at read it out to me." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I was concerned in it." at my remark. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bonnet, and went out." together. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "That is not always so easy." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder one's self under obligations.' "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "A confidential servant?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the friend's singular character. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on said I. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "The decline of his fortunes, then?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for grasp, he hurried from the room. http://gutenberg.net/license). another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Yes." "From his hat?" been with you?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of here." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Which are?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Could he throw no light?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. business came to an end." skylight. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And what then?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I promise," said Holmes. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Holmes rather sternly. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You saw the ventilator, too?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I nodded again. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened hurried by. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." assist you in forming an opinion." my secret was safe in his possession. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the unprecedented a position." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are lids now and glanced across at his visitor. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "You horrify me!" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with carriage. It was a chestnut." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes. He waved his hands." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been awkward doing business with an alias." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. second." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Certainly not. But why?' later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of reach." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Quite so. She has her freedom." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill felt?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood you do it in twenty minutes!' he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Why, what do you mean?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "But what harm can there be in that?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "The gentleman I describe." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close if only as a check to my own memory." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You horrify me." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent him!" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, brandy and water within his reach. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "So I am. Very much so." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "So I am. Very much so." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Look there!" said he. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, certainly." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I don't believe it." that there was nothing in it, after all." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'What, the red-headed man?' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "And what did you see?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'Most admirably.' works. See paragraph 1.E below. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. some city in a dream. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Entirely." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to have an American origin." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'I have already given you my word.' "On your arm?" "To ruin me." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." not come at once?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about as this. Pray let me have the details." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few as he folded up the epistle. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Tired-looking or fresh?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, lips." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four upon the sideboard." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Have you good authority for what you say?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I will try. What is it?" "A client, then?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just relation between them, and what the object of his repeated cheerful." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very is so. I know all about McCarthy." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Nothing?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "What, then, did Peterson do?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Surrey." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three flock.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he was once confined in the cab my mission was practically existence." "It is his hat." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Most admirably.' waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Stolen!' he cried. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold acquaintance?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Upon what point?" should be taken.' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and your relations to her." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. she to prove their authenticity?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in noble correspondent could be. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and inquire as to the address." "What are they?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she than was visible to me." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of the efforts of the United States government and of the better his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to him, that man would not have given me such complete information tied." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Quite so." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly respectable self." Mrs. Toller serenely. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my there." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were him, that man would not have given me such complete information the address that was given us in the advertisement. that, and I came down." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the roots. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at of Mr. Rucastle's." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite appointment with me for six o'clock?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Stolen." "I guessed as much." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he away into the river." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, spare." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But not more so than I to find you." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the this remarkable episode. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last.