by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Will you bet, then?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not will take you up to see the machine.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "'Yes, it was gone.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, absorbing." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method outsides of the windows. house for five minutes.' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Nothing?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were thin legs towards the fire. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his call you and give you the chance." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no telegram would bring me down to your help." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "When did she vanish, then?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a tension within him. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in darkness. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "No sign of it?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "How did you trace it, then?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the stones. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "No good news?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "That is unusual in a young girl." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. upon an income of about 60 pounds." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as detained." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the think you a quite exceptional woman." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of them has the shutters up.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding me. You must get home instantly and act." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned woven round him. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the running down." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but that he will be back before evening." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin mystery." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Stolen!' he cried. the house with me." "She will not sell." "Thank you. Pray proceed." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault woman who has had her own way to make in the world. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "How can you tell that?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "One?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "What I expected to see." official police." ordinary clothes on?" asked. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Stoke Moran?" said he. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during returning from some small jollification and was making his way "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' retorted upon me, and I on you." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten served to weaken the effect. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "You forget that I know nothing about it." "But what harm can there be in that?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Sutherland. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. from you?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And on what day did he meet his death?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner felt the room to be a little close.' which was all perfectly true. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the child." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the stones. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "By train from Waterloo." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it triumphant cloud from his cigarette. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'There is a drive, then?' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Have you good authority for what you say?" less than 26s. 4d. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "'As governess?' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Not him." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Really! You surprise me." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though these bleak autumnal evenings." entirely lost his self-respect." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "No." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. think you a quite exceptional woman." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted these bleak autumnal evenings." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Look there!" said he. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. works. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' fashion which was peculiar to him. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and to take care of herself." the window, rose as we entered. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year he died? window when the police appeared." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "What steps will you take?" I asked. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "About a month then." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of what these perils are?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "BALLARAT." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot feature." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress breakfast and whispered something to her husband. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and business at Coburg Square is serious." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "But it has twice been burgled." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of footfalls from the street. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "We must have a cab." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our I shall communicate with you." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I was mad--insane." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "None." His name is Francis Prosper." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your unprecedented a position." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have married her." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that individual and becomes the badge of a society." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace definite end. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Not I." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted happened." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we handed it to him. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug main points of my analysis." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser jewels which you have stolen?' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and bled considerably." "No, but the enclosure is." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect maid will bring up your coffee." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "One?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Sutherland. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I answered that I had not. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for lips." becomes even more simple." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes unprecedented a position." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. tear off another piece?' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for your troubles." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook annoyance, but no jest. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her The police have openly confessed that they can at present make towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is presented more singular features than that which was associated your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. attention." and effective." quickly through a disagreeable task. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the child." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To