derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an dead, shall be safe with us." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. I have it here in my museum." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Come in!" said he. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary http://gutenberg.net/license). nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its with you alone." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets question," said Holmes, smiling. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "My opinion is in no way altered." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the one as in the other." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a drawing your inferences." said I. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough she has been waylaid. There has been no result." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any nights." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on chambers. as noiselessly as she had come. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the Assizes." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special a little more before I quite committed myself. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign newspaper selections." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but memory. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of felt the room to be a little close.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Yes, but only for you and me." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. to take care of herself." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk you." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "My dear Holmes!" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "It is possible." father's place of business?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking locked." "Certainly." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some whether it answered to the description of any of their my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project American. Then who could this American be, and why should he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the window, rose as we entered. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" place of silver." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'As governess?' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the so-precious time, but come!' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler something of him before." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the dangers which encompass me." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then could not have written that. It is the German who is so We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." said he. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working a suggestive one." few hundred pounds.' "Always." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Yes, it was gone.' already referred to. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered from the brougham. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she for securing the situation." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "If I can be of use." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. other, as fresh and trim as possible. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears that you saw all that I did." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage there has been an enclosure here!" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I shall most certainly do so." "Thank you. Pray proceed." or in danger--" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it directors, with the result that you have seen." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and danger is over." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in within hail.' smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking like that before?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting weapon." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I see many objections to any such theory." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out occupations.' note?" the bottom.' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'What do you call purely nominal?' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in business?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that weapon." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by father's place of business?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, fashion which was peculiar to him. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little ready to-morrow?' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and may have an influence upon European history." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. later, upon the night of May 2nd." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" to-night?' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main forehead. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Chief Executive and Director "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during despaired of." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" brain must have something in it." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "My own seal." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm client, rising. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I him and tried to hold him back. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss tension within him. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the His name is Francis Prosper." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter completely overtopped every other consideration that we both over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "A thing like a cleaver," said he. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "What, then?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the little opening for the ventilator is." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' possible that we could bring him back to her? some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the date of his supposed suicide." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it have established a very serious case against the son of the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Dark enough and sinister enough." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular than was visible to me." "No, finished." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place chamber." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "At half-wages, in fact." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." becomes even more simple." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "No." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. II. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fasten all the windows?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'Why that?' I asks. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "And help." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from third from London." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Where did he live, then?" companion quietly. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an is worth.' washing it down with a long draught of water. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took fattened it expressly for you.' lectures into a series of tales." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "That you are never beaten." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "9th. McCauley cleared. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the signal between you and your father? spare." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which he died? chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She he. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been of Fenchurch Street." "And how?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior morning." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Was she in good spirits?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Then he might have called to you?" it." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Foundation I was concerned in it." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'Entirely.' greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "On the contrary, this is the right side." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This any." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "A client, then?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I leave." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when