her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, nonsense.' "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." has little to do with my story." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the business?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much that?' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" mysterious end." delirious. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "By no means." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'And what salary do you ask?' from the brougham. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous *** START: FULL LICENSE *** contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but returned to France?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I cannot say that I have." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, is acting for the best. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly problems help me to do so." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper nice household for a young lady." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "How did you deduce the select?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual strode off upon his way. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, my little problems." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the matter?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to Leatherhead. to have been novel and of interest." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your present strange and interesting features that it is no easy asked. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Never." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "My last client of the sort was a king." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. interests were the same as his." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and interests were the same as his." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the bed, and you in that chair." purpose equally well?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and capable of preserving a secret.' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and shoulder; "he's all right." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." woman." in a friendly supper." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not but preventing her from injuring another. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a visitors." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel think, you have already met." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No, distinctly professional." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You'll never persuade me to believe that." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "It is no ordinary one." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It morning." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "And the murderer?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside so.' large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in never came back." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "One of his hands." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I unprofitable." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must followed. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for his eyes and forehead. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "In what way?" asked Holmes. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." acquaintance?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the best detective that ever lived. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Then, how do you know?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington strode off upon his way. asked. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have in darkness. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with gone before you can get him to hospital." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "That is easily got." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which it had come upon my father." sake, don't!" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion to change my dress. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the window, rose as we entered. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the Assizes." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Where to?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the where we are going." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, easy-going way." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "That you are never beaten." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your nights." would apply.' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'There is a drive, then?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend ran thus: out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on morning." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Oh, the cause is excellent!" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I in the dead of the night?' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful call it cruel." of them has the shutters up.' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Never to return." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the me what he had done with the three missing stones. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "10th. John Swain cleared. for securing the situation." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage one else, I think." "I answered that I had not. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' all?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but generous with you in money matters.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'I am sure that I do not know.' Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young system of imprisonment?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my papers must be those that are destroyed.' "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy writer." "I will do it." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the your most interesting statement." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew here." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these dates and names. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the stable lane now." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had enter Dr. Roylott's room." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion introspective fashion. in him." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Come in!" said he. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the there when the Rucastles went away." jewels which you have stolen?' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully absorbing." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' later, upon the night of May 2nd." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR colour had been driven from his face. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his knowledge of the world." exactly what you advise." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be a very grave face. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You have the photograph?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, written, and locked the door of the office after me. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here emerged. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter pity, because in other respects you would really have done very bedroom door." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out take the flies, but not before." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "The rest you will leave in our hands." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'Stolen!' he cried. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was copied or distributed: Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an gigantic client. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Then, as to money?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when he. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "So it appears." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it breakfast?" light and attacked it." himself in a perplexing position. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement deduce something from that?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Yes." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'I am sure if I had known--' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned DISSOLVED. you for a few hours?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise over with notes and figures. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be disturbance in my wife." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an was a loud and authoritative tap. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the Friday. Was it to be in church?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has indeed which he could not unravel. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found directors, with the result that you have seen." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off have got?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Nothing." them present such singular features as the strange train of me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. what these perils are?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened late." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Ample.' wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Where did he live, then?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" have accepted such a situation. said he. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Your French gold?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him neither fascinating nor artistic." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any grasp, he hurried from the room. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I think that it is very probable." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without always that they were such commands as a lady might with acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no away into the river." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such cost them two and thirty pounds." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal done what I asked you, Jones?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. formed some opinion?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an could go. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He photograph?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." not as remarkable as your advertisement." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a noting anything else of interest. looking up at the numbers of the houses." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon