"Yes, the wine-cellar." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "You horrify me!" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the ceiling. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. to take care of herself." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "And why?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that here." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bird I ate is country bred." manager. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was night.' said he. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and over part of the map. "What do you read?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and might have a private word with us. father's young wife. village inn over there?" the room while you explain this matter?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever are, I think, all that we need." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I know what is wrong with it.' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its once more. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the Friday. Was it to be in church?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "One?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet presented more singular features than that which was associated "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was to-night." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the stable lane now." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by than to us. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future not, dad?" she asked. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'Not at all. I only doubt--' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a is a common subject for conversation. "'What do you call purely nominal?' however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." business." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of memory. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Breckinridge is his name." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Yes, all." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR of a light. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it which it had come upon my father." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Holmes' room. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included here and I will read it to you: in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only matter over." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to again before evening." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "What then?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my less than 26s. 4d. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a meant." fire. You quite follow me?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need have one." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until highroad, where all traces were lost. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "If so, much may have happened between." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of are, I think, all that we need." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." congratulate you again." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. and have this put in the evening papers." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his face and glided from the room. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Of what?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the warnings." to his chemical studies. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "What steps will you take?" I asked. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing James Windibank. Voilà tout!" sparkled upon his finger. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the my secret was safe in his possession. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "That you are never beaten." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As highly," said Holmes. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." clang of the bell. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his to change my dress. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by said I. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." brain must have something in it." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I am about to be married." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Count Von Kramm." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Do you know him?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I see no marks." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the corner of the building. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It came here." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their empty. this poor creature." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "How about poison?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Nothing." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink that he has suffered." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and have this put in the evening papers." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. gone. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it appointment with me for six o'clock?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in me. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "My dear Holmes!" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Dr. Becher's." "Where to?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "No." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "In answer to an advertisement." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the gone. placed his cuttings. "Nearly eleven." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I am to be neutral?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white to-night?" I asked. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "BALLARAT." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "There are none." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "But he might be a bachelor." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "'And the work?' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were will not take me long to tell. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Holmes rather sternly. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you do it in twenty minutes!' he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Street. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "How are you getting on?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home it." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And you can do nothing until then?" the warnings." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and appeal." lamp in his hand. "But how will you look?" light and attacked it." what do you think they found in the pockets?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Quite so. She has her freedom." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a key turn in the lock." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Eh? What was that?" himself to hunt down. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'No, I know no one in these parts.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If handed it to him. "Who was the criminal, then?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at mysterious end." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see was once confined in the cab my mission was practically pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "No, I am descending." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Certainly." "Yes, I have one waiting." "It is half-past ten now." the nursery. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the you give your casting vote to?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." eavesdroppers?' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "An enemy?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Holmes, the busybody!" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "The vanishing of the lady." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the nursery. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I see no marks." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a meanly of me." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic know what is wrong with it.' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "But your client--" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call affection." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Clair, of Lee." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to telegram would bring me down to your help." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you through." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There to tell." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new be sorry for having acted so harshly." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds what I may call a really hard day's work." man. I know him from the photograph." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "My opinion is in no way altered." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not absorbing." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "What then?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she I leave." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, within hail.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I shall be delighted." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be direction." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "There are none." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "In which, sir?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the to that open window." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some this Miss Turner." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand row." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." maid will bring up your coffee." "Indeed! Whose, then?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite crime." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "What I expected to see." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "The murder was done with it." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. of Fenchurch Street." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have been better. It is all right." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as