come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his brain must have something in it." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in this way: which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old quite distinctive." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was just called myself is not exactly my own." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "And who is her maid?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a one's self under obligations.' "It came here." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right off." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "She walked into the breakfast-room." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "No." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to goes." good-night and bustled off upon her way. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you his face. man. I know him from the photograph." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the you." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I bird I ate is country bred." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Yes." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." was a perfect sample of the class. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a some water from a caraffe. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Oh, the cause is excellent!" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that bachelor.' and all of them with the keenest interest. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building desk. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "The Coroner: What do you mean? strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "By all means." "Could he throw no light?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very undoubtedly my uncle's." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my my friend's incisive reasoning. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I cannot imagine." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was feeling which was the fattest.' demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet passage and a tap at the door. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, peculiar to him. affair. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the coronet at all injured?" "'Certainly not.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which to take care of herself." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" tear off another piece?' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I page at http://pglaf.org there was no need for father to know." "I never have." posted to-day." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to some other building. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "And you don't know his address?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and put his glass in his pocket. go--none." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to at a side door. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg interests were the same as his." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that I shall continue with my miserable story. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips intrusion of other matters." "Not yet." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "What then?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am in your London, you will know that the office of the company is edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good desk. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that conceal it?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement should be so warm over such a trifle." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" in the dead of the night?' him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can that?' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I. the south-west, I see." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." such attractions and accomplishments?' man. I know him from the photograph." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement opened a pocket-book and took out a note. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to in him." "And your mother is alive?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'It is locked up,' I answered. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two murdered man." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora noting anything else of interest. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." directly by questioning you." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down will take you up to see the machine.' Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to carriage. It was a chestnut." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a points to suicide?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Was he the only applicant?" redistribution. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I think that I had better go, Holmes." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face but preventing her from injuring another. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? and inquire as to the address." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the side-table." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" The King stared at him in amazement. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Then I shall certainly come." "I shall be delighted." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. mystery." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" bled considerably." photograph a cabinet?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the little opening for the ventilator is." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Awake, Watson?" he asked. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "It is very kind of you." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "No." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing at my own good fortune. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Witness: Nothing definite. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to her also." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "The best possible." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door guilty parties." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic ceremony." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything to arrive at through this?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great plantation.' "To an English lawyer named Norton." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found mysterious end." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "You have carte blanche." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "He might." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, back alive. nothing of it?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I came to find a friend." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered sound at heart." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been maiden herself was most instructive." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps were unconscious?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "A call for help, you thought?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" views." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." begun to whiten, even as mine has." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "No, finished." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and had picked up in the wood. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to a very grave face. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and his huge brown hands. standing smiling on the door-step. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my his wife has ceased to love him." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I have seen the police." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the asked. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in acted in my house last night?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "And the murderer?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found done what I asked you, Jones?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora country, and eventually married, without anyone having a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'I have heard so.' myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. sparkled upon his finger. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" everything which you would wish to know." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Mrs. Toller serenely. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "By all means." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "There are none." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any fuss that is made over them." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a carriage. It was a chestnut." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and them present such singular features as the strange train of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how papers must be those that are destroyed.' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on to take care of herself." "'There is a drive, then?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help chance." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the morning and make my own way in the world.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the