withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Bought." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable tied." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must them, and came down just as you departed. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose sufficient punishment." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "In San Francisco, a year ago." was a perfect sample of the class. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Then I do not see the point." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and more terrible than the truth. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Lee, in the county of Kent." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I never have." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I man. to-night?' "It is no ordinary one." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the we went to search for him, face downward in a little Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I am in hopes that she does." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. least a most suspicious remark." done what I asked you, Jones?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Nor running a chance of arrest?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every power." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the King without delay." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and all of them with the keenest interest. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest empty. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "A call for help, you thought?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as sooner or later she must fall a victim. http://gutenberg.net/license). "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom mystery." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate over his head with a sweet womanly caress. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to sound at heart." could gather together that I was able to avert another public should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "In answer to an advertisement." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of dramatic, in fact." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of thin legs towards the fire. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Foundation were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to ashen face. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Which are?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could said he. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! my secret was safe in his possession. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of appeal." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "And why?" "The knees of his trousers." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'Is 4 pounds a week.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my for securing the situation." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "The rest you will leave in our hands." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does colour had been driven from his face. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted straightened it out again. "'Stolen!' he cried. kind enough to tell me what I should do." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "He said too much." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to London for the present?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive bears upon the case?" him. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from you for a few hours?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. more terrible than the truth. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "How do you know, then?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. be there in time for your coming." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I am about to be married." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation like gravel from a pit.' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter seem to you to be relevant or not." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her time." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Her father is very rich?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is signal between you and your father? enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Stolen." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a into the room. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining gigantic client. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it companion. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab careless servant girl?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I had formerly been in part my own. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage address. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were it." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "It is his hat." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical without a word or a look. in the dead of the night?' do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the indiscretion." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. enough to aid us in our search." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "What is it, then--a fire?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present silent! Oh, he will be silent!' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." prison!" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Yes, but only for you and me." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous himself to hunt down. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your nothing with him." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "And the cigar-holder?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "You are hungry," I remarked. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I know where it is." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself business?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We companion imperturbably. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. wife's character?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of fishes. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going to Leatherhead. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I saw her in conversation with her maid." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he colonel looking down at me. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always what do you think they found in the pockets?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It is a murder, then?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "You have carte blanche." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building this remarkable episode. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then to-night." written. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself suddenly upon us." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the interests were the same as his." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Yes." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He few hundred pounds.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The was a loud and authoritative tap. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Was she in good spirits?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to talk it over. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the warnings." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'There is a drive, then?' to Leatherhead. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss was a perfect sample of the class. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Which are?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. to-night's adventure." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project nonsense.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Then what has happened to him?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It is half-past ten now." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was depend upon my doing so.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Most admirably.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is have an American origin." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. have one." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the experiences." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, client, rising. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I don't believe it." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my made his money." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "How on earth--" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him advice." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. any." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and a shock of very red hair. room. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my electronic works some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' directly by questioning you." "It was an hour's good drive." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence where she found matters as described by the last witness. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and effective." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "It is half-past ten now." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." waste of energy." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "What shall I do?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "The gentleman I describe." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's over with notes and figures. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "But she will refuse." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Heh?'