name is different." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Why? What do you mean?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and trifles." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Then he might have called to you?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an wall." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that sufficient punishment." was a lad." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her jewels which you have stolen?' "Yes, it would be as well." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about upon the shelf for the interim." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'What are you doing there?' he asked. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." upon the sideboard." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman awaited us upon the table. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then call you and give you the chance." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I politicians who had been sent down from the North. success. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I guessed as much." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the where she found matters as described by the last witness. the matter." "If I can be of use." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock all-comprehensive glances. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I eavesdroppers?' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to astonishment. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. desk. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's do you make of it all?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Yes." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of not fit the lock." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "It looks newer than the other things?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Street. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'What then?' I asked. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "None. Neville wrote those words." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "What then?" chance at all." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most photograph a cabinet?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I have seen the police." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I shall most certainly do so." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In into the room. pierced for earrings?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so During two years I have had three consultations and one small It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Did you become engaged then?" "The best possible." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose confronted him. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "It is a murder, then?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "If I can be of use." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging straightened it out again. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what is," said he presently: cigars in their mouths. that you can jump it.' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You placed his cuttings. think that any burglar could have done. mystery." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we copied or distributed: strength in the others." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes, but only for you and me." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at License. You must require such a user to return or was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever there was no need for father to know." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss one of them." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he business in the City. She little knew what. "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those are, and they are waiting for us." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it see me here to avoid scandal." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the emerged. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this sufficient punishment." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. beyond words. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "It is his hat." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "And who is her maid?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added said he. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it in your London, you will know that the office of the company is lectures into a series of tales." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Eh? What was that?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the that, and I came down." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have his wife has ceased to love him." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "No, I had a dozen." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the sparkled upon his finger. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I have solved it." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A client, then?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis is entirely a question of barometric pressure." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored weapon." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback some water from a caraffe. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last chair. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was which it had come upon my father." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his vanished into the darkness. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will my special province." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to strode off upon his way. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "BALLARAT." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no never to learn it at all." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Then, how do you know?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'Certainly not.' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I should wish to." "'Entirely.' nice household for a young lady." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "No legal papers or certificates?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's in darkness. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the together. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' DISSOLVED. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. events, Mr. Windibank!" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Most admirably.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand gone. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" this as likely?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. her also." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'It is locked up,' I answered. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and effective." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "That you are never beaten." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable copied or distributed: "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this tightly behind him. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not out of this horrible affair." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your money should be paid at once.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Where, then?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few pound a week." him nearly every evening." "Very truly yours, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Pool. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would fattened it expressly for you.' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "My photograph." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the coronet at all injured?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Yes, certainly." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "That also I could fathom." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still residence of the great financier. approach us with offers to donate. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Won't it ring?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, to-morrow." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, allusion to a rat. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he you in yours." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving as noiselessly as she had come. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every criminal. We have already had experience of such." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so as the one I chose?' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "By no means." past. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "How often?" again on its way. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with cause to be." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing overpowering excitement and concern. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he him, that man would not have given me such complete information branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "'Never.' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense new duties?' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in