could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his too. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and capable of preserving a secret.' seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I shall be delighted." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled miles off. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these absorbing." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I have solved it." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Stoke Moran?" said he. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two because she had spent so short a time in this country that she could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Countess of Morcar's?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I cannot tell." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the get the tickets." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight quite distinctive." lost his Christmas dinner." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his definite end. until night should bring an explanation. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley For additional contact information: in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "That sounds a little paradoxical." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master them present such singular features as the strange train of later, upon the night of May 2nd." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "How did that help you?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, as the one I chose?' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The But Holmes shook his head gravely. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'I have heard so.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in conduct the inquiry." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his how narrow had been my escape. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she forecastle of an emigrant ship. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Nor running a chance of arrest?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Won't it ring?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside The King stared at him in amazement. used to be." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary again." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Yes." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the exactly what you advise." felt the room to be a little close.' again before evening." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been orange pips. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "No legal papers or certificates?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Pray do so." 1.F. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible residence of the great financier. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Yes." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to During two years I have had three consultations and one small broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, knowledge of the world." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very with you alone." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal room?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "That was it, sir." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," which our visitor detailed to us. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." at once, for I have only half an hour." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Nearly eleven." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Countess of Morcar's?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have bonnet, and went out." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the corner of the building. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Then what has happened to him?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." You want to know what became of those geese?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more should be so warm over such a trifle." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden stood on the top of it. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you desk. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over again, where I was soon asleep. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the point in the dark hollow of his hand. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit This is what he says: "Not particularly." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Was there a secret marriage?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true might help us?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "No." very morning of my second wedding." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "You horrify me." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of side. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Which dealer's?' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "An enemy?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all them?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the you for a few hours?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ ways of our fellow-men." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "On your arm?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly page at http://pglaf.org secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. happened." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached III. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'Entirely.' to tell." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Yes, sir." thought that she would have been so carried away." interested in these little problems, and since you are good you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did south, for the country is more deserted there." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided clang of the bell. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "When did she vanish, then?" peculiar to him. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may she slowly sank and died without having recovered her an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had was lame." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Of Friday, June 19th." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the bed, and you in that chair." she to prove their authenticity?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, suspect him." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." could go. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. into the room. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I should like to see him very much." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that shall use the carriage to-night." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Just look it up, then." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there in him." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set questionable one." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the at once, for I have only half an hour." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' man. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Gutenberg-tm License. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise The King stared at him in amazement. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to lamp. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We his forehead." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Do you know him?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts laugh and put his lips to my ear. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method to arrive at through this?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Will you go?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Mrs. Toller serenely. III. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a thin legs towards the fire. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from gigantic client. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his himself to hunt down. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "What then?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and shall use the carriage to-night." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call out." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of remarked. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who always that they were such commands as a lady might with lumber-room." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "The Coroner: What do you mean? year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Farm upon the left." "'Never.' train.' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this your co-operation." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly are, I think, all that we need." "'Why that?' I asks. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be