whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I am following you closely," I answered. best detective that ever lived. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You present." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed up this clue while it is still hot." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet companion imperturbably. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE British peeress.'" "Have you her photograph?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and it means?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. prison!" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "But how did you gain them?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. soul! here is her carriage at the door." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out him." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him see a sister of mine apply for." must be when I saw the door open.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You have carte blanche." placed his cuttings. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and excitement. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the Red-headed League." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I is now desirous of getting those letters back." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my opportunities to fix the problem. occupations.' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty arms and began to sob in a high treble key. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be straighten it?" it were putty." pressing in one house as in another. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, despaired of." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House name is different." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. careless servant girl?" "Precisely." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "And that is--" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of again before evening." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was have not had my rubber." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I me upon any point which I do not make clear." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the only touch the interest." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray persecution?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." this Miss Turner." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was keenly on my guard against him. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Farm upon the left." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Young McCarthy must be got off, however." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the particular state visit http://pglaf.org "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and but preventing her from injuring another. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I might have a private word with us. vanished into the darkness. "She told me to ask you." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was off." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock look upon these things in a different way." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It is possible." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil suspect him." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my again, where I was soon asleep. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Did you become engaged then?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Sutherland. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "And sit in the dark?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Yes, but only for you and me." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call information in his hands the value of which he did not himself transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a chemical work which was so dear to him. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Dr. Gregory B. Newby beg that you will break it off." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to rooms." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, in my life." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Serpentine Avenue. "You are all wrong." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up I leave." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from future lives." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling bled considerably." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from 1.E.9. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout coat-tails." kindly on the shoulder. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yes, all." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, key of the affair now." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Where is it, then?" "I cannot tell." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And the murderer?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress laugh and put his lips to my ear. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to it." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come ago." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very comes from the middle window." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must some city in a dream. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. never to learn it at all." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the all that?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "That is not always so easy." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the coroner come to?" green of the new foliage. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out is so. I know all about McCarthy." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was she to prove their authenticity?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something business in the City. She little knew what. it right.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me there were one or two details which were new to me. But the I. Holmes' thin, eager face. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of before, for it was considerably after midnight. come either from the window or the door. My attention was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Here?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the bed, and you in that chair." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "May I see it?" "How often?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "What office?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his them?" himself. before the coroner and the police-court." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Sholtos." "Tired-looking or fresh?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little waste of energy." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and your sleep?' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in asked with his eyes open. "Then I can wait in the next room." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "And how have you succeeded?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs know that the truth is known." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed exactly what you advise." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting my secret was safe in his possession. gigantic client. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "That you are never beaten." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." spark where all is dark to me." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible answer." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was dear old homesteads?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I held the little printed slip to the light. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that his huge brown hands. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Why did you pick him?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, father's young wife. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in too. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait ways of our fellow-men." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Yes." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "So it appears." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the legal crime." certainly do as you advise." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the flock.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "My dear Holmes!" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Thank you. Pray proceed." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a all-comprehensive glances. heavy and sharp instrument." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day fait accompli?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Yes, it was twisted." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my of campaign. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief empty. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he strode off upon his way. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "And that is--" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come locked. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction followed. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of is a common subject for conversation. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in