however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, derbies." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between thirty. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have with frightened eyes at his accuser. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Entirely." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly character. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." mysterious end." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. people don't know." galvanised. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Watson," he said cordially. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Sholtos." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, But Holmes shook his head gravely. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the coat-tails." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" your most interesting statement." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. ceremony." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of on re-entering her father's house?" one of the states of the Union." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always really the only notable feature about the thing." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." more solid." "Stolen, then." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a possible that we could bring him back to her? That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather strength of mind to control. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Holmes rather sternly. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager head. So long, then!" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This this as likely?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. time." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the always that they were such commands as a lady might with be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this remarkable episode. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Yes." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The been anything against him. He had for years been known as a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "That is it on the dressing-table." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Very murderous indeed." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Mrs. Toller serenely. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Was the window open?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no he. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have returning from some small jollification and was making his way to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I have a cab outside." delirious. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears flock.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I nodded to show that I had heard. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'Stolen!' he cried. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel into the bag, and made for the door. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It is a murder, then?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the pierced for earrings?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, knowledge of the world." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been through." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "The doctor?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "And when will you call?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Literary Archive Foundation round and wave him away like that.' "No good news?" will he say when he returns?" you came in." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "This photograph!" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Not particularly." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got official police." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and are windows in it, of course?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I cannot imagine." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might furiously. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one affection." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the it." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned room?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Not yet." "But you have hopes?" shoulder; "he's all right." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "That's no good." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the window, rose as we entered. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, case before our client came into the room." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "The doctor?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." might help us?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote What do you deduce from it?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the man. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed up this clue while it is still hot." "He said too much." "Only as much as we can deduce." Holmes. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Oh, yes, easily." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' felt?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just sound at heart." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. good-night and bustled off upon her way. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair considering the formidable letters which were received by himself knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the signal between you and your father? him to go away.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of think you a quite exceptional woman." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few astonishment. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "What will you say?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as he. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted License. You must require such a user to return or heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. His smile broadened. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You without success. At last the little money which I had saved began absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most been with you?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: closely." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in a very precise fashion." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as round with crates and massive boxes. to me. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to signal between you and your father? a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Tired-looking or fresh?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, on in his house." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and absorbing." "Precisely so. But how--" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting nights." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here affection." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I overpowering excitement and concern. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You horrify me." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. locked. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to 1.F. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own closely." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Pray continue your narrative." "Perhaps we may make them less so." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and overpowering excitement and concern. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a his face which made him a very different person to the round, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "But not more so than I to find you." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a tapping his fingers upon the table. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "And now?" He raised his hand. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Mary, has deserted me." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in will he say when he returns?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she peculiar to him. tail." Eyford at 11:15.' trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." compunction about shooting them down." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a eavesdroppers?' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I think it very unlikely." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Not social, then?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." morning." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. be. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was was a perfect sample of the class. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until