matter over." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and have this put in the evening papers." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently criminal. We have already had experience of such." always that they were such commands as a lady might with may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Is he quiet?" the one as in the other." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. once more to my work. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Have you her photograph?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. chance." "My Mary? Impossible!" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City not use it unless it is absolutely needed." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There said I. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included tell him that I know him to be innocent." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," were new raised from a basin. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few begin with, and I had not got mine yet." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us shall not find me ungrateful." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "The doctor?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I congenial hunt. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Pray continue your narrative." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless orange pips. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Foundation London for the present?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe where she found matters as described by the last witness. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek little trying to do so much typewriting?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning at once, for I have only half an hour." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before This is what he says: (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without I am not easy in my mind about them." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to-night's adventure." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "In answer to an advertisement." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has sound at heart." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" copied or distributed: the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No. His orders were to stay in the house." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident straighten it?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder nights." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Mary, has deserted me." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is must compliment you." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed of Fenchurch Street." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then shoulder. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. not as remarkable as your advertisement." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I should be immensely obliged to you." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to his face which made him a very different person to the round, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "You think that he is dead?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of would then never go into court at all." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his your most interesting statement." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now morning." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of manager. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar The summons was a brief and urgent one. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Why serious?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my acquaintance?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yesterday." had a long day." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Well?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until goes." I leave." "My Mary? Impossible!" way in everything. "'Ten to two.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Precisely so. But how--" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are six. Come in!" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'Certainly,' I answered. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "How did he come?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. note?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately certainly not very gracious." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I don't believe it." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "There is the writing." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until pressing in one house as in another. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to to that open window." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer hurried by. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given system of imprisonment?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Deserted you?" was already answered. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Most admirably.' is," said he presently: present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was written. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It is solved." "I shall most certainly do so." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and your relations to her." "My last client of the sort was a king." had picked up in the wood. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "It was." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that he will be back before evening." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to to a more successful conclusion." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and dates and names. "'Never.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of the vacancies.' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "No, I am descending." stammered. of the way of danger. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Where did he live, then?" enough to aid us in our search." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I of the one which your family is now devouring." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been three of the beryls in it, was missing. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a see me here to avoid scandal." "Is he quiet?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I cannot imagine." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into a very grave face. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which made his money." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hurried away. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. which it had come upon my father." "And why in hopes?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Stolen." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin outside." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Then I can wait in the next room." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were distinguish the words: known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it writers could invent nothing more crude." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He thin legs towards the fire. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard gone. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be other, as fresh and trim as possible. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Mary, has deserted me." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I of Mr. Rucastle's." but preventing her from injuring another. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in in your London, you will know that the office of the company is - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "And leave your case unfinished?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'What then?' I asked. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Only as much as we can deduce." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all look dissatisfied." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "But how?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Heh?' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I matter." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway been able to understand it, in a very few words. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Which dealer's?' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Then I do not see the point." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the kindly on the shoulder. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "No, finished." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was unclasping of his long thin hands. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect some water from a caraffe. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be fuss that is made over them." through." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter pound a week." situation." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, morning." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are depend upon your compliance." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Was he the only applicant?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa some city in a dream. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." true." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the