on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my memory. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." eavesdroppers?' what these perils are?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are have not had my rubber." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the house with me." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary and have this put in the evening papers." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "My private note-paper." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Tired-looking or fresh?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Arthur Conan Doyle Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "We must sit without light. He would see it through the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary friends, not even his own brother. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Nearly eleven." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Yes. He waved his hands." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Dirty?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "One of the highest in England." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do opportunities to fix the problem. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Yes, from Horsham." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his make me his representative both with the servants and with the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some mystery may be cleared along those lines." you in yours." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at flock.' the devil!" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this entirely devoid of interest." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from name is different." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Gutenberg-tm License. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an presented which may be striking and bizarre without being that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the affection." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Is he quiet?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. round and wave him away like that.' have not had my rubber." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it gigantic client. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite matter over." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Lee, in the county of Kent." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to-night." dramatic, in fact." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "No, I am descending." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too round with crates and massive boxes. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She be there in time for your coming." "That is possible." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I never have." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, matter over." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as lamp. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was keenly on my guard against him. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "And what then?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "And for present expenses?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were to affect your life." the window, rose as we entered. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question a very grave face. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and and effective." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general pressing in one house as in another. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the best of training." had this final quarrel? on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Eyford." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to clanging. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, assist you in forming an opinion." must be when I saw the door open.' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' back into the street. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. of the way of danger. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "This photograph!" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "What is it, then--a fire?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in light and attacked it." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the be. in darkness. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by them, and came down just as you departed. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the address that was given us in the advertisement. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Quite sure, dad.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "A client, then?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Gutenberg-tm License. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in business?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Most admirably.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I chill to my heart. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which other means.' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the prepare for the new role I have to play." is four-and-twenty." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the colour had been driven from his face. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came outside." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. at my own good fortune. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "How often?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of vault. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to one of the states of the Union." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were chance at all." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "A call for help, you thought?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that I have it here in my museum." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I do." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I am all attention, madam." and your relations to her." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, and glanced through. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until bare slabs of marble. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." have accepted such a situation. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have spare." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would companion imperturbably. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. my room." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he voice, changing her seat as requested. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I everything which you would wish to know." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was that there was nothing in it, after all." you understand?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting your sleep?' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that you wished to speak to me?' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you be sorry for having acted so harshly." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Was there a secret marriage?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. words came to my lips. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the closely." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Then, how do you know?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger ago." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand get her out of the way." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give handed it to him. "It missed him, then?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all to have been novel and of interest." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I cannot tell." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" as he remarks, very much against the son." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than was not a bird to be seen there. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. used to be." a very grave face. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What is it, then--a fire?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "On Monday." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of have had none more fantastic than this." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate colonel looking down at me. "I cannot as yet see any connection." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of the one which your family is now devouring." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'And what salary do you ask?' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time third from London." "When did she vanish, then?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. could go. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "That was it, sir." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and her also." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I have hopes." was a loud and authoritative tap. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have had none more fantastic than this." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the himself to hunt down. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, such attractions and accomplishments?' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." power." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." clang of the bell. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as started for the Temple to see my husband. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "But I have heard all that you have heard." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was that eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and carpenter." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your about here speaks of his kindness to him." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I you?' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the bears upon the case?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back outside." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "They are typewritten," I remarked. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the she to prove their authenticity?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a unclasping of his long thin hands. "Precisely." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale,