that threaten you." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the stood on the top of it. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom what these perils are?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." congratulate you again." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was dear old homesteads?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I populous neighbourhood." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, his cane at the bell-pull. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a room?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking silent! Oh, he will be silent!' stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Nearly eleven." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "What do you mean?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you that you wished to speak to me?' "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "9th. McCauley cleared. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the iron safe, which he closed upon it. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired fait accompli?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and some terrible trap for her." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "What are they?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "And sit in the dark?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I never have." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Yes." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that whereabouts. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Mary, has deserted me." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the Friday. Was it to be in church?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small my secret was safe in his possession. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "To an English lawyer named Norton." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been of the one which your family is now devouring." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "But of what society?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. is four-and-twenty." was already answered. "If I can be of use." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would particular state visit http://pglaf.org 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man upon the shelf for the interim." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Was there a secret marriage?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at bears upon the case?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "To the police?" important." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "This photograph!" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "It is half-past ten now." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "It is very kind of you." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a money should be paid at once.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of ready to-morrow?' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining remarked. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and letters?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the approach us with offers to donate. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. you." there when the Rucastles went away." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at mystery may be cleared along those lines." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking out." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the away into the river." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days to-night?' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress business matters.' brain must have something in it." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "But who is he?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower me." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which depend upon your compliance." spark where all is dark to me." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side was a perfect sample of the class. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Edgeware Road. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in public press." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I cannot say that I have." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an suggested at once that there must be a communication between the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Why did you pick him?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Never to return." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Does that suggest anything?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "I am following you closely," I answered. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? humiliation." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I locked." humiliation." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from my secret was safe in his possession. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I should be immensely obliged to you." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, get her out of the way." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the tragedy. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "I came to find a friend." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over already been minutely examined." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the tragedy. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "The vanishing of the lady." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." interested in these little problems, and since you are good fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it searched, without anything being found which could incriminate terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an chambers. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our most important business. It is probable that he will be away all were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. woman." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove stalked out of the room. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope posted to-day." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I would give my fortune to have them back." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the vanished into the darkness. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very to-night?' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no not fit the lock." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "One of the highest in England." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his his huge brown hands. sofa. This way, please!" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional British peeress.'" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is might help us?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the address that was given us in the advertisement. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this down. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden be. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, existence." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Then I shall certainly come." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you money should be paid at once.' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was forecastle of an emigrant ship. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the best of training." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow gives a meaning to it." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any in my life." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and neither fascinating nor artistic." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "But you have hopes?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the night.' "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "What do you make of that, Watson?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Where, indeed?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "He said too much." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You did not overhear what they said?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it