the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, forebodings. "What are they?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress tightly behind him. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" joking. have not had my rubber." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. with the outside air!" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away this unhappy family?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." pound a week." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Not particularly." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "None." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I think that it is very probable." them, and came down just as you departed. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "You have carte blanche." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is round and wave him away like that.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "But it has twice been burgled." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk it were putty." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill amused." letters?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "How can you tell that?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "It surprised me." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "When did it break out?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows then?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "He said that you could solve anything." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a someone who had been in Australia." the side-table." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You are hungry," I remarked. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Yes." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, looking up at the numbers of the houses." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "And what then?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, at a side door. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom frequently gained my first real insight into the character of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It light and attacked it." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and seen the man in the road." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was think that any burglar could have done. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that I may have something better before very many minutes are followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I fear not." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Dark enough and sinister enough." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and writer." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to people don't know." "You saw the ventilator, too?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. quickly through a disagreeable task. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "One?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Farm upon the left." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door directors, with the result that you have seen." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had comes from the middle window." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "When did she vanish, then?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "But what harm can there be in that?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. nothing of it?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever wife's character?" which it had come upon my father." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when quite distinctive." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I round with crates and massive boxes. hour?' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to clang of the bell. "No more words. Get out!" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted showing my impatience. "'Certainly not.' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Precisely so. But how--" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'I shall certainly be there.' success. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "No, but the enclosure is." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the loss of it. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is eavesdroppers?' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. http://gutenberg.net/license). once more to my work. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in and the whole place is in a blaze." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use woven round him. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the introspective fashion. said I. "There is the writing." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me nothing of it?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from in one or two places in England?' He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew reach." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a stood on the top of it. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "No good news?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and yards of it?' always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Your French gold?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Of what?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to correct than the official force." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that instituted." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "But what harm can there be in that?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. chill to my heart. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had until night should bring an explanation. coroner's jury." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "VIOLET HUNTER." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "The doctor?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Bought." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle shoulder. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "It was an hour's good drive." eavesdroppers?' "And is that all?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you want, then?' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Which surely he restored to their owner?" suddenly upon us." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, III. to a light-house. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Stolen." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' redistribution. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a sneer upon his pale face. the bottom.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his a monotonous occupation." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich in the port of London." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Indeed! Whose, then?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and capable of preserving a secret.' little adventures." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "That is possible." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones prisoner's face. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, rat could hardly pass through." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but she to prove their authenticity?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Do you receive much company?" he asked. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Quite so. She has her freedom." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some house for five minutes.' if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, lost his Christmas dinner." infinite languor in his face. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Holmes." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "And your father? Did you tell him?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the evidence," I remarked. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Game for a morning drive?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless prisoner's face. cigar and let me expound." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "By train from Waterloo." "It must be recovered." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I know where it is." he died? "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I eavesdroppers?' arrested. You then--" pictures, libraries, or plate. the dangers which encompass me." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. train.' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Stoke Moran." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria cigars in their mouths. "How do you know, then?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an