closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "That is also quite modern," said the lady. forebodings. peculiar to him. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Never.' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I way: of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and furiously. enter Dr. Roylott's room." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is man. I know him from the photograph." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the carpenter." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You are hungry," I remarked. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading posted to-day." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, dead, shall be safe with us." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of Mr. Rucastle's." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Never,' said I. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' do.' general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "That is it on the dressing-table." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are question," said Holmes, smiling. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not there has been an enclosure here!" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and shall probably return to London by the evening train." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have room. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones room had already been engaged for us. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. gone before you can get him to hospital." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from not personally threatened." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly disturbance in my wife." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "No good news?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "That is possible." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'What are you doing there?' he asked. putting in the horse. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a burst out into a roar of laughter. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Where to?' "'And the work?' laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But status with the IRS. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he our word." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I see no marks." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one ventilator." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good national property. I was determined that the law should have its "And how have you succeeded?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "It certainly sounds feasible." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through best detective that ever lived. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was ceremony." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "What can it mean?" I gasped. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had It may be so in this case, also." have established a very serious case against the son of the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Is he quiet?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I never have." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in peculiar to him. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out take the flies, but not before." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. cigars in the box." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax should be so warm over such a trifle." seven miles from Eyford Station.' should be taken.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a generous with you in money matters.' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "The gentleman I describe." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was introspective fashion. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been McCarthy's innocence. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my do.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You did not overhear what they said?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "May I see it?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "What do you mean?" "Yes." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like a monotonous occupation." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "None." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ eavesdroppers?' Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "The knees of his trousers." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Holmes. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in strength." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and DAMAGE. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "How did you deduce the select?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I you, my dear young lady?' of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in not as remarkable as your advertisement." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made to change my dress. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "My opinion is in no way altered." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" What do you deduce from it?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how feature." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Witness: It was. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the shoulder; "he's all right." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, with frightened eyes at his accuser. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but hurried by. new duties?' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Very murderous indeed." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest 'I should be able to look after that for you.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in the hope of finding them." yards of it?' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Quite so. She has her freedom." the little opening for the ventilator is." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Not social, then?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I was afraid that you were engaged." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying colour had been driven from his face. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I back into the street. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the Assizes." always that they were such commands as a lady might with education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is at a side door. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were interests were the same as his." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I answered that I had not. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she present." shaken than I had ever seen him. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "What will you do, then?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel call for protection in the marriage market, for the present so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Imitated." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the strode off upon his way. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Lee, in the county of Kent." conclusions. "An accident, I presume?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "No." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I was mad--insane." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'Certainly,' I answered. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Precisely." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few when you have done it." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was think that any burglar could have done. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Does that suggest anything?" Mary, has deserted me." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "It may not come to that," said Holmes. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. DAMAGE. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen occurred." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she coat-tails." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Upon what point?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Yes, it would be as well." during which he might have communicated with his friend the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And the cigar-holder?" "We have tried and failed." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if