my special province." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met on re-entering her father's house?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or residence of the great financier. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my help us in this matter." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "How often?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than do.' despaired of." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Married! When?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'And the work?' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Certainly." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a out of this horrible affair." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned within hail.' out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Will you go?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "My last client of the sort was a king." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after closing the door. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I have hopes." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "That is easily got." if I call to-morrow?" the driver. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That go from here to the Strand." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by tear off another piece?' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking wall." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the matter?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to leave you to your papers for a little." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Precisely." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. signal between you and your father? "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray continue your narrative." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification lumber-room." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that spark where all is dark to me." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now present strange and interesting features that it is no easy already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The delighted to hear it," he said. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Nothing." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Could he throw no light?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Where, indeed?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though developed." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough through." might have a private word with us. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to this remarkable episode. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should You want to know what became of those geese?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel has little to do with my story." round and wave him away like that.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." it means?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point noting anything else of interest. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I fasten all the windows?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of my special province." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "It came here." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we long narrative. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, bird of prey. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "What then?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "It is solved." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and the church but not where the lady lived." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make American. Then who could this American be, and why should he whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a your most interesting statement." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to Leatherhead. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he could gather together that I was able to avert another public the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" taking in every detail of the apartment. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." and a shock of very red hair. conceal it?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings noble correspondent could be. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Breckinridge is his name." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, me. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "And I to find an enemy." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home do.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her him to go away.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet this as likely?" "I should wish to." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Was there a secret marriage?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen from the brougham. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "And what then?" "10th. John Swain cleared. criminal. We have already had experience of such." how narrow had been my escape. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then events, Mr. Windibank!" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must villagers almost as much as their master. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Get out!" said he. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Certainly." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and have this put in the evening papers." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the King without delay." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "That is easily got." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Holmes." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly straightened it out again. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do works. See paragraph 1.E below. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able entirely devoid of interest." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might papers diligently of late, have you not?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he I leave." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and have had none more fantastic than this." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young his face. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "That you are never beaten." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Do you know him?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial are windows in it, of course?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "But I am all in the dark." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small definite end. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I will not look." "But his left-handedness." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until leave you to your papers for a little." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure she has been waylaid. There has been no result." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "What! a murderous attack?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "The Cedars?" "But you can know nothing of this?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "He might." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he redistribution. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building foresight and the moral retrogression?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in best detective that ever lived. "Certainly." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "A client, then?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing electronic works of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she minor matters until to-morrow." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "How often?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the date of his supposed suicide." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "But his lameness?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Henry Baker is a member." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should round and wave him away like that.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly unprecedented a position." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. closing the door. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to lost his Christmas dinner." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies a room. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the one as in the other." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Yes." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his returning from some small jollification and was making his way fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular prepare for the new role I have to play." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to his chemical studies. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. pound a week." with her." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Perhaps I have." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your disappearance of these gems?" to-morrow." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Indeed! Whose, then?" "No, distinctly professional." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" narrative." "He is dead," cried several voices. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the second window is the one that I jumped from." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the