Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, about here speaks of his kindness to him." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was it brought him the coronet? fat-encircled eyes. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Serpentine Avenue. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the 1.F. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "10th. John Swain cleared. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the best of training." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive did not hear it also.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to ashen face. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly business at Coburg Square is serious." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" unprofitable." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." kind enough to tell me what I should do." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. is so. I know all about McCarthy." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Nothing." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. before the coroner and the police-court." him to go away.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the coronet in his hands?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the window, rose as we entered. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached gentleman's clothes. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no matter." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a waste of energy." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the matter?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "What! Had he lost his wife?" that he will be back before evening." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Holmes, the busybody!" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, You want to know what became of those geese?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. possible that we could bring him back to her? "A client, then?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a his cane at the bell-pull. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Always." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it that I may have something better before very many minutes are "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Then how many are there?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "So I have heard." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the date of his supposed suicide." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Holmes. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank looking up at the numbers of the houses." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to indiscretion." "'Certainly not. But why?' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Murdered?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "It was." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Holmes. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in sneer upon his pale face. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand American. Then who could this American be, and why should he shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Where did he live, then?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be voice. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "By train from Waterloo." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a fuss that is made over them." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were someone who had been in Australia." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'And what are they worth?' I asked. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to tell." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without was already answered. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had unprofitable." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated call the police, let the police find what they can.' way: who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "What!" he roared. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "She will not sell." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I him and tried to hold him back. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the coroner come to?" forehead. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the address that was given us in the advertisement. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Why did you beat the pavement?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation started for the Temple to see my husband. "But not more so than I to find you." was lame." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" been able to understand it, in a very few words. "And why in hopes?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Yes." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "And sit in the dark?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are to a more successful conclusion." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I guessed as much." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. lectures into a series of tales." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "How did he come?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." head. So long, then!" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very or other trace. But how on earth--" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of gbnewby@pglaf.org half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "My dear Holmes!" own family. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself from the brougham. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." depend upon my doing so.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "And now?" He raised his hand. a very grave face. "That is easily got." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Your presence might be invaluable." examine." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. your sleep?' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the bed, and you in that chair." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Dirty?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held some mystery and the punishment of some crime." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Were they all fastened this morning?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking formed some opinion?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "What will you do, then?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely that threaten you." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You think so, too?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the past. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in within hail.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or was a perfect sample of the class. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the all?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "He slept on the premises." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. as he remarks, very much against the son." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. I nodded to show that I had heard. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check outside." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, himself. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Then I can wait in the next room." me. You must get home instantly and act." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance south, for the country is more deserted there." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, again." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, of campaign. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Yes. He waved his hands." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing maiden herself was most instructive." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent again before evening." to Leatherhead. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience something of him before." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. when your master had gone out." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, questionable one." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "When did she vanish, then?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at straighten it?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. once more for Briony Lodge. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in over part of the map. "What do you read?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with future lives." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking sneer upon his pale face. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at seen the man in the road." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "What then?" photograph a cabinet?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "And leave your case unfinished?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'What, the red-headed man?' He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the himself in a perplexing position. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple have I gained?" said I. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "What shall I do?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an gone before you can get him to hospital." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we feature." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of obstinate." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had humiliation." it were putty." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "VIOLET HUNTER." do.' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until mystery." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it more solid." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "The landlord of the Alpha." murdered man." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the date of his supposed suicide." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Then I am your man." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'Certainly not. But why?' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself lamp in his hand. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to yourselves in at night?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I am afraid that you will find it difficult."