"I see no marks." "And Irene Adler?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the very letters. But what is this written above them?' certainly not very gracious." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I am armed." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I fear not." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yes, it was twisted." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The him to be an active member of the medical profession." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then matter." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "But it has twice been burgled." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking mystery." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "What can you not understand?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and eavesdroppers?' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the or other trace. But how on earth--" which it had come upon my father." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I have seen the police." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "What then?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Pray continue your narrative." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were stood on the top of it. "'A dozen yards or so.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from more terrible than the truth. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to up this clue while it is still hot." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker followed. a suggestive one." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "By all means." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could singular points about the case. What did the police think of the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "What shall I do?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided woven round him. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The doctor?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." me upon any point which I do not make clear." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "My last client of the sort was a king." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from are windows in it, of course?" in his power. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "That also I could fathom." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat cost them two and thirty pounds." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the coronet in his hand?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It easy-going way." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "What! You do not mean bodies?" absorbing." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "No, I think that I'll take it." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. past. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor true." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my prepare for the new role I have to play." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Not yet." "'And the work?' prisoner's face. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a room. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a stammered. manager. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned wedding?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "But of what society?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the burst out into a roar of laughter. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of your troubles." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in be.' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "And I to find an enemy." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. looking up at the numbers of the houses." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Did you become engaged then?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. remarked. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "How can you tell that?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with against a man in the prime of life?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Why serious?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an nonsense.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, a very grave face. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the way: fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It furiously. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I will, Miss Turner." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John have had none more fantastic than this." "And for present expenses?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the coronet in his hand?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step room. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into the bag, and made for the door. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but or in danger--" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "That is possible." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Look there!" said he. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "You have carte blanche." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It is no ordinary one." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." it means?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, cigar and let me expound." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 are, and they are waiting for us." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again head. So long, then!" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding used to be." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'Certainly not. But why?' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn did not hear it also.' bearing upon the case." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the stones. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "And what did you learn from him?" "What have you to say now?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a system of imprisonment?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across fled together." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William morning." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and glanced through. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the very morning of the wedding." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Well, it is a possible supposition." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my behind me. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I it. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "If I can be of use." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush gives a meaning to it." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." better grown goose." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Come in!" said he. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark This is what he says: to go into your room and bar your shutters?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, other means.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which rose-bushes. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "But who is he?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much he bowed and left the room without another word. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. door?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. that I may have something better before very many minutes are until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Yes." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never come either from the window or the door. My attention was I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through tear off another piece?' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the read over the extraordinary announcement. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I crackling voice. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. voice, changing her seat as requested. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock it. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to go back?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I am about to be married." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that lips." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Yes, the wine-cellar." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the dangers which encompass me." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and foresight and the moral retrogression?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, have got?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated easy-going way." lamp in his hand. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with made him keep the appointment." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of face and glided from the room. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I was afraid that you were engaged." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of in the hope of finding them." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Sholtos." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three prisoner's face. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, that threaten you." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "How long did she speak to this Alice?" there in twenty minutes." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "But what is it you wish?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had dear old homesteads?"