initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "By all means." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be head. So long, then!" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Eyford at 11:15.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth good for you to do.' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just gone. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But of what society?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your dead, shall be safe with us." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "But how?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. humiliation." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "My last client of the sort was a king." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the carried out of court." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about man. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and companion. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry whereabouts. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I am following you closely," I answered. weary and pale-looking. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive weighed down with some great anxiety. "'Where could I find him?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while that, and I came down." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that searched, without anything being found which could incriminate cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the and your relations to her." Have you good authority for what you say?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual business." here and I will read it to you: since then to throw any light upon what became of him." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to would apply.' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" me. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Certainly, madam." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place o'clock is it?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources retorted upon me, and I on you." "VIOLET HUNTER." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the which we had just quitted. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my during which he might have communicated with his friend the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London I was concerned in it." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Eh? What was that?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "The Coroner: What do you mean? breakfast." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange during that time.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious following enigmatical notices: that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it his eyes and forehead. get her out of the way." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What! a murderous attack?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the yards of it?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of the vacancies.' "The best possible." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said weighed down with some great anxiety. "'And what salary do you ask?' "Your sister is dead, then?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that, and I came down." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must out." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under fear." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Murdered?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "But how?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Can I be of assistance?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "He said that you could solve anything." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Nearly eleven." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, dead, shall be safe with us." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and papers must be those that are destroyed.' attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking thin legs towards the fire. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Yes." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Dirty?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his fishes. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his face which made him a very different person to the round, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." notes," he said. know all about it," he snarled. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I say that I have solved it." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the roots. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a matter." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the morning and make my own way in the world.' father's young wife. "The doctor?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard room?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "What! You do not mean bodies?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates following enigmatical notices: of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." not come at once?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of the way of danger. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Stoke Moran?" said he. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It is his hat." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "That sounds a little paradoxical." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and a very grave face. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step The summons was a brief and urgent one. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I cannot think." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if crime." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last key turn in the lock." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the then?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "What then?" public press." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly lost his Christmas dinner." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a about. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "But his lameness?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with better grown goose." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can case-book, which he consulted. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any weary and pale-looking. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the crime. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to-night's adventure." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, place no limit on the sum I may draw." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business to-night's adventure." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of until night should bring an explanation. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold McCarthy's innocence. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I cannot imagine." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Ah!" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in both be extremely obliged.' them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "A call for help, you thought?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of in a friendly supper." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon at a side door. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the salesman. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I say it is." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "My own seal." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs of a light. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love morning." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated hour." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake lamp in his hand. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that with the outside air!" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three rat could hardly pass through." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and that he would see to anything that turned up. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "The gentleman I describe." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging her also." on re-entering her father's house?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned cigar and let me expound." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "He said that you could solve anything." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he would then never go into court at all." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united could gather together that I was able to avert another public in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "How did you deduce the select?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And your mother is alive?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment less than 26s. 4d. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an tapping his fingers upon the table. attention." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, neither fascinating nor artistic." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "You did not overhear what they said?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I good-night and bustled off upon her way. the King without delay." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or