been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "But you have hopes?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the digesting their breakfasts at home." is worth.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the answered with a sidelong glance. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Could he throw no light?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'I have already given you my word.' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I bird I ate is country bred." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long closely." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sparkled upon his finger. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the been." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "But not more so than I to find you." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the The summons was a brief and urgent one. man. I know him from the photograph." and put his glass in his pocket. "I never have." "What can you not understand?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "What will you do, then?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Chief Executive and Director at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both stepfather?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "But what will you do?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "What will you say?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low from the brougham. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a your room." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" fear." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been is so. I know all about McCarthy." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I guessed as much." and glanced through. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Leave Paddington by the 11:15." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "One of his hands." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Witness: Nothing definite. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the more solid." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' III. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "He is dead," cried several voices. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, seem to you to be relevant or not." notes," he said. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'What would be the hours?' I asked. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he invisible to me," I remarked. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "It certainly sounds feasible." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. in darkness. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for prepare for the new role I have to play." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Yes. He waved his hands." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your a good hundred miles off by now." "In answer to an advertisement." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but 'I should be able to look after that for you.' into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "One of his hands." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man way: common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do there was no need for father to know." of Fenchurch Street." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened he bowed and left the room without another word. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Come in!" said he. rose-bushes. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by one of them." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope ordinary clothes on?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he chance." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to it." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "And your father? Did you tell him?" in this way: papers diligently of late, have you not?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was again." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, McCarthy's innocence. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Eyford at 11:15.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly one else, I think." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a made his money." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. nights." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the child." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and of Mr. Rucastle's." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of waste of energy." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'As governess?' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong question," said Holmes, smiling. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "He disappeared so suddenly." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'Certainly not.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when garden below. the coronet at all injured?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "And help." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Witness: Nothing definite. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a for and were ordered to this address. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of have accepted such a situation. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions friends, not even his own brother. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' his fortune, and I went back to pa. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would which was all perfectly true. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Very murderous indeed." "Here?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us gone before you can get him to hospital." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "But you would not advise me to refuse?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'And the work?' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of voice. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been he bowed and left the room without another word. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Holmes." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is away in different directions, and I went off to make my own laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Ten to two.' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Holmes' face clouded over. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Can I be of assistance?" unclasping of his long thin hands. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the correct than the official force." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" October 9, 1890. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "No." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "It is possible." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, little trying to do so much typewriting?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "But how?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten best detective that ever lived. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "No more words. Get out!" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so fishes. salesman. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' where she found matters as described by the last witness. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss with frightened eyes at his accuser. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "But what will you do?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I will, Miss Turner." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Imitated." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be foot. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of present." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Does that suggest anything?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the client, rising. events than those which have happened in my own family." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Heh?' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out disappearance of these gems?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I answered that I had not. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he father's place of business?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of possible that we could bring him back to her? of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the had died away into the silence from which it rose. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat it." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out upon the sideboard." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "How long did she speak to this Alice?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "And from a noble client?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to writer." strode off upon his way. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had started for the Temple to see my husband. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing electronic works behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one intimate personal affairs in this public manner." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any husband's writing, madam." "Where, then?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that than to us. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do means taking possession of that which another person has a prior fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Lee, in the county of Kent." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It think you a quite exceptional woman." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the mystery." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I promise," said Holmes. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face that I can to serve you." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Stoke Moran?" said he. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was to affect your life." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of on in his house."