WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "But his lameness?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "How did you deduce the select?" "Ten will be early enough." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the side-table." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "No, my brougham is waiting." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "'Certainly not. But why?' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very a good hundred miles off by now." "I see no marks." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." in. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey American. Then who could this American be, and why should he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Frequently." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, infinite languor in his face. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Nothing." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but only touch the interest." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety tension within him. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. other lovers by making love himself." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly reach." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. pound a week." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door excitement. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father had picked up in the wood. status with the IRS. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if nothing with him." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'As governess?' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "It is no ordinary one." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "How do you know, then?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, unclasping of his long thin hands. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that, and I came down." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my good for you to do.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting one else, I think." already referred to. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same lumber-room." more terrible than the truth. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire public press." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "You will not go there first?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. giving me time to thank him. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to tell." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the amused." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "One of his hands." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose over here." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. appeal." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and a shock of very red hair. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, when you have done it." he. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I guessed as much." outsides of the windows. "No good news?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to affect your life." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? strength in the others." carpenter." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. gone. to-night?' late." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both union?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It came here." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Never to return." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to instituted." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have jewels which you have stolen?' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. back alive. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank 11:15.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and capable of preserving a secret.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On case before our client came into the room." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to status with the IRS. you want, then?' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Did you observe the colour?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were not use it unless it is absolutely needed." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my paper in the air. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so distinguish the words: of Mr. Rucastle's." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Never." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Sholtos." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and During two years I have had three consultations and one small Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in one else, I think." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a gone before you can get him to hospital." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "But she could not love him." photograph?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should murdered man." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Frequently." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall yet." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Stoke Moran?" said he. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his of them has the shutters up.' "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Thank you. And your address?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond shall not find me ungrateful." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Nothing?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure security.' fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Who was the criminal, then?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "That is not always so easy." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has gigantic client. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by prepare for the new role I have to play." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the showing my impatience. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only troubles have been weighing upon his mind. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Why did you pick him?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that forebodings. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when morning." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as with some details as to your case." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of ago." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with bird I ate is country bred." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on begin with, and I had not got mine yet." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal directly by questioning you." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than fled together." of your young ladies.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Dirty?" conceal it?" "I am sure." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is row." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "May I see it?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker photograph?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the bottom.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you James Windibank. Voilà tout!" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. bearing upon the case." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "And I to find an enemy." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I beg pardon." weighed down with some great anxiety. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest it." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" noble correspondent could be. "Nearly eleven." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her interests were the same as his." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how distinguish the words: "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when south, for the country is more deserted there." brain must have something in it." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "It was." "By no means." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even