lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he less than 26s. 4d. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he public press." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring said Mr. Holder. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "To an end?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The will not take me long to tell. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the stable lane now." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I am to be neutral?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the constraint." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "What! a murderous attack?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are were unconscious?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable your co-operation." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'I am sure if I had known--' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I am all attention, madam." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I fear not." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead This is what he says: surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This enough to aid us in our search." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the approach us with offers to donate. neither fascinating nor artistic." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began appointment with me for six o'clock?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the guilty one." Again Holmes raved in the air. late!' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to than to us. lectures into a series of tales." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in delighted to hear it," he said. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second long narrative. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the with some details as to your case." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what was shining brightly. the warnings." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Murdered?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The gives a meaning to it." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" into the room. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I these bleak autumnal evenings." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Edgeware Road. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "And when will you call?" "That is not always so easy." McCarthy's innocence. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Is he quiet?" Sutherland. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have certainly not very gracious." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low rooms." three fields round his house, and there he would take his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the think that any burglar could have done. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which our visitor detailed to us. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Where, then?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," main points of my analysis." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been tell me that you intended to go into harness." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Then you may entirely rely on me." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "What can you not understand?" guilty parties." "No, distinctly professional." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the always that they were such commands as a lady might with prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. have I gained?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for drove away. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just people don't know." present." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and this as likely?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be London for the present?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards forbidden door. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "A greater distance to travel." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Why did you pick him?" that, and I came down." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "And I say east," said my patient. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might information in his hands the value of which he did not himself understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the I think that I could be of assistance to you." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'What are you doing there?' he asked. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" 'please.'" "Why did you beat the pavement?" "That was it, sir." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that sake, don't!" wall." "My dear Holmes!" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight crackling voice. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by whereabouts. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take that one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first used to be." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the south-west, I see." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method and that he would see to anything that turned up. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" case before our client came into the room." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite learned something! Where are the gems?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. affection." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun easy-going way." again before evening." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the happened." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "That's no good." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And for present expenses?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your October 9, 1890. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Yes, I have one waiting." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck address. Farm upon the left." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the I nodded to show that I had heard. "Very truly yours, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for within hail.' the side-table." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hour." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm begun to whiten, even as mine has." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." mysterious end." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as became a certainty. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor suggested at once that there must be a communication between the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall not use it unless it is absolutely needed." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he wedding?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "By no means." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be go--none." Does that suggest anything?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he business?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Your presence might be invaluable." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "My own seal." the loss of it. you." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was disappearance of these gems?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his once more for Briony Lodge. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "No, I am descending." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "One of the highest in England." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and this remarkable episode. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "My dear Holmes!" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "You are all wrong." outside. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "I came to find a friend." infinite languor in his face. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. any more." of receipt of the work. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, speckled band?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to Leatherhead. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "ARAT," I read. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his in his power. "May I see it?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you one of the states of the Union." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a interests were the same as his." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others even of instruction." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. enter Dr. Roylott's room." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'What do you call purely nominal?' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "No bad?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Arthur Conan Doyle "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and inquire as to the address." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. question. ceremony." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness morning." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker do.' Where does the thing come from?' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "A thing like a cleaver," said he. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "You will not go there first?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's said he. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand