rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You are all wrong." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer straighten it?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting following enigmatical notices: room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "What! Had he lost his wife?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I think that it is very probable." envelope. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And on what day did he meet his death?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes lumber-room." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the down. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my outbreak?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "What! You do not mean bodies?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be delirious. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Texas, I think." to that open window." it. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Surrey." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Get out!" said he. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous both be extremely obliged.' read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little in his hands." is a common subject for conversation. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." than was visible to me." "Do you go out much in society?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his from the brougham. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "But he might be a bachelor." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the bottom.' I held the little printed slip to the light. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are lumber-room." presume?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are had picked up in the wood. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found I shall continue with my miserable story. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during empty. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I think that I had better go, Holmes." photograph?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this What do you deduce from it?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, distinctly professional." "But what harm can there be in that?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It is no ordinary one." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "But he might be a bachelor." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "My stepfather's business papers." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that me. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" tail." written. "You have carte blanche." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Most admirably.' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "But she will refuse." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent status with the IRS. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country you." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each correct than the official force." "Will you bet, then?" the dangers which encompass me." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'Yes, it was gone.' sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Very much so." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of not, dad?" she asked. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "And leave your case unfinished?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Miss Holder?" approach us with offers to donate. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "But I have heard all that you have heard." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. upon the white wrist. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the coronet at all injured?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I think that I had better go, Holmes." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is so. I know all about McCarthy." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the least a most suspicious remark." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling it. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "You forget that I know nothing about it." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "On your arm?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Dirty?" look dissatisfied." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "And what then?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may a very grave face. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. His smile broadened. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It back alive. hurried away. remarked. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him trying to your nerves." "It's nothing of the kind." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled crowd. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "You will not go there first?" to change my dress. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And when will you call?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, thirty. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before colonel looking down at me. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without was once confined in the cab my mission was practically offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. said he at last. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal meanly of me." "Ha! you find it so?" one of the states of the Union." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of eavesdroppers?' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "What of the rat, then?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I answered that I had not. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than yards of it?' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his his face. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to surprise her." mysterious business." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "It is his hat." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to have been novel and of interest." the child." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was definite end. "The Cedars?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, despair." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about triumphant cloud from his cigarette. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was must compliment you." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "He said that you could solve anything." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." again before evening." little trying to do so much typewriting?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his congratulate you again." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "He said that you could solve anything." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I came to find a friend." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Of what day?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the peculiar to him. that, and I came down." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant my former friend and companion. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, second." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" him!" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and highly," said Holmes. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is his hat." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But the mystery?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your presented which may be striking and bizarre without being while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "He said that you could solve anything." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this of receipt of the work. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any some mystery and the punishment of some crime." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom strode off upon his way. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. writer." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A to a more successful conclusion." pierced for earrings?" a suggestive one." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check make me his representative both with the servants and with the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time.