"DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's see a sister of mine apply for." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." to tell." "And help." could gather together that I was able to avert another public my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have brain must have something in it." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of was used.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have You can understand that this register and diary may implicate strength in the others." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had better grown goose." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the devil!" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I a good hundred miles off by now." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently was keenly on my guard against him. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about not use it unless it is absolutely needed." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "What is it, then--a fire?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Oh, fresh and glossy." States. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the returned to France?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his delighted to hear it," he said. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the any." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would together. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his there has been an enclosure here!" hopeless attempt at recovering them." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, four million human beings all jostling each other within the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a place, I think that there is good ground to think that the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this not use it unless it is absolutely needed." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. fact, we may call it conclusive." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." like gravel from a pit.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cause to be." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "That is possible." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Eh? What was that?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Quite so. She has her freedom." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "You think that he is dead?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I was afraid that you were engaged." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in. was not a bird to be seen there. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it back into the street. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few ran thus: adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "In San Francisco, a year ago." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Eh? What was that?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and yet." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I shall be delighted." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the jewels which you have stolen?' the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Texas, I think." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Certainly." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Cross for the Continent." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. shall not find me ungrateful." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Upon what point?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the roots. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "It certainly sounds feasible." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Yes." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of a light. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, rooms." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." mystery may be cleared along those lines." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is to go into your room and bar your shutters?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but happened." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look constraint." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no wall." power." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' prison!" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hereditary King of Bohemia." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And your father? Did you tell him?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case certainly do as you advise." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been flock.' "You are hungry," I remarked. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My not as remarkable as your advertisement." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "What is it?" approach us with offers to donate. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined and that he would see to anything that turned up. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "And what then?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Witness: It was. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt cigars in the box." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the were unconscious?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "The landlord of the Alpha." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards retorted upon me, and I on you." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It drawing your inferences." were new raised from a basin. nice household for a young lady." "What?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of Mr. Rucastle's." "Then he might have called to you?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "My private note-paper." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Have you good authority for what you say?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." was shining brightly. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Did he not advertise?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere six. Come in!" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Just look it up, then." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," very morning of my second wedding." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case mysterious business." "How did you deduce the select?" way: indiscretion." said I. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the done what I asked you, Jones?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort of it with the greatest attention. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "They are typewritten," I remarked. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been said I. "And now?" He raised his hand. "I have come for advice." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the cigars in their mouths. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, look upon these things in a different way." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a trying to your nerves." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and was lame." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Not him." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "The knees of his trousers." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does could not account in any way for the presence of the missing managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "But what is it you wish?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." my room." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he trifles." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. British peeress.'" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some she might be summoned. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between careless servant girl?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to neither fascinating nor artistic." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And how did you find out?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland must compliment you." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Well, some hundreds of times." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without and no precautions can guard against." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the and laid it on the table. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I think that it is very probable." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "But your client--" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, details." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the should be taken.' "At what time?" "What?" humiliation." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady fattened it expressly for you.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the papers must be those that are destroyed.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for would apply.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "What have you to say now?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" joking. envelope. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll that I can to serve you." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do McCarthy's innocence. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'You doubt its value?' he asked. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and effective." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Have you good authority for what you say?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point indiscretion." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the than to us. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "You were travelling in the States?" details." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came forecastle of an emigrant ship. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit