round with crates and massive boxes. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Have you good authority for what you say?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'What do you call purely nominal?' could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What humiliation." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." murdered man." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "The best possible." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "But how did you gain them?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence goes." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no interested in these little problems, and since you are good I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Ah, but I was recommended to you." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the rooms." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yes, it was twisted." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the south, for the country is more deserted there." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right it means?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "An enemy?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "And is that all?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who gentleman's clothes. respectable self." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Where did he live, then?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, new acquaintance to Baker Street. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. that I can to serve you." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more bonnet, and went out." "But to whom?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was as he folded up the epistle. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "And sit in the dark?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide it." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Very truly yours, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Edgeware Road. nonsense.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, detective. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 photograph?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "It surprised me." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "My dear Holmes!" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, province." What do you deduce from it?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is you do it in twenty minutes!' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in remarked. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. in the dead of the night?' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in a friendly supper." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his http://gutenberg.net/license). closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I never will be, entirely cleared up. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun with her." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches again before evening." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most writers could invent nothing more crude." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a once more. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I don't believe it." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with appeared upon the scene." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do status with the IRS. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carpenter." humiliation." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a made his money." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on conduct the inquiry." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very locked. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary be there in time for your coming." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her matter." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We arms and began to sob in a high treble key. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the Red-headed League." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': you want, then?' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to fuss that is made over them." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Precisely so. But how--" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "They are typewritten," I remarked. at my remark. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should gigantic client. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do could gather together that I was able to avert another public vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. question. gone. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming enter into my head. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. papers." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' reach." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "She will not sell." crime. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very some city in a dream. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's to have been novel and of interest." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, It may be so in this case, also." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to was feeling which was the fattest.' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes if I call to-morrow?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in again on its way. when you have done it." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "You horrify me." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Absolutely none." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' look dissatisfied." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country started for the Temple to see my husband. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those over here." begun to whiten, even as mine has." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining standing smiling on the door-step. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "One?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Then I shall certainly come." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "No, I think that I'll take it." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can your sleep?' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the Friday. Was it to be in church?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Eyford at 11:15.' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and all of them with the keenest interest. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of open." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were that?' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, taking in every detail of the apartment. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall gentleman's clothes. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "And the murderer?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Yes, but only for you and me." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your new duties?' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man throat." knowledge of the world." that I am arrested." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Indeed! Whose, then?" which it had come upon my father." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." bill, which interests me deeply." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, narrative." "What?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of his shoulders. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to a monotonous occupation." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And I say east," said my patient. union?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to change my dress. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "You have the photograph?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Not particularly." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by brain must have something in it." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Heh?' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me your equipment. own family. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to tear off another piece?' these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, only touch the interest." one's self under obligations.' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I am all attention, madam." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Again Holmes raved in the air. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and deduce something from that?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Did you observe the colour?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given