the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a good hundred miles off by now." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account of Mr. Rucastle's." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." made him keep the appointment." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be house for five minutes.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and put his glass in his pocket. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary asked. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold call for protection in the marriage market, for the present he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the warnings." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the easy-going way." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Entirely." pierced for earrings?" is worth.' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking prison!" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, papers must be those that are destroyed.' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "And leave your case unfinished?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "And Irene Adler?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point could gather together that I was able to avert another public office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I was mad--insane." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the think, you have already met." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "And from a noble client?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "In the cells." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining questioning and rather startled gaze. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "The Cedars?" least a most suspicious remark." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "No bad?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he we went to search for him, face downward in a little "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I was mad--insane." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Is he quiet?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and business matters.' "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Then he might have called to you?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the said he. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Count Von Kramm." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to long narrative. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. infinite languor in his face. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between country, and eventually married, without anyone having a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built indeed which he could not unravel. the child." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to several quiet little villages up there." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! him to be an active member of the medical profession." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" companion quietly. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right You can understand that this register and diary may implicate thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have accepted such a situation. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before photograph?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced horse could go." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low business." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a opportunities to fix the problem. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it even of instruction." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "How did that help you?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Certainly." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and all of them with the keenest interest. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. your own bird, so if you wish--" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no shoulder. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes which should have the effect of calling the attention of the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I friend's singular character. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "And from a noble client?" Holmes. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "But you have hopes?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I have a cab outside." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are some place of shelter and let the county police know what has out." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." tied." and have this put in the evening papers." "I see many objections to any such theory." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and better in every way that they should make their position a little villagers almost as much as their master. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in cigars in the box." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to miss it." electronic works in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'Where to?' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. call it cruel." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I will get her to show me." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the spark where all is dark to me." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And how did he make his money?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered voice, changing her seat as requested. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Yes, it was twisted." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. over here." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Certainly,' I answered. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "You horrify me!" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "The best possible." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. bears upon the case?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "ARAT," I read. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make nights." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, nothing with him." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' mystery." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be come either from the window or the door. My attention was however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "But your client--" "No bad?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," golden eyeglasses. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an was a loud and authoritative tap. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his felt?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and acted in my house last night?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to likely to be some crony of the landlady's." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I know where it is." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." asked with his eyes open. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Did your wife hear all this?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "But she could not love him." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" plantation.' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look more solid." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and a shock of very red hair. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his pound a week." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and tension within him. depend upon your compliance." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut bed dies. Does not that strike you?" mystery." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. quickly through a disagreeable task. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich During two years I have had three consultations and one small believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "My own seal." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the inner apartment." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Of what day?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." clanging. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Just look it up, then." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for if she died from some sudden fright." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But she will refuse." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. new duties?' "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Nothing." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is events, Mr. Windibank!" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "And did you observe any change in her then?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared guilty one." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across of Fenchurch Street." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the stones. chemical work which was so dear to him. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Pray continue your narrative." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Indeed! Whose, then?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had