which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Why serious?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. such attractions and accomplishments?' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Proceed, then." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to tell." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the paper in the air. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or stammered. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect indiscretion." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Certainly, madam." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the leave you to your papers for a little." "Where, then?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of whatever might befall. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened like gravel from a pit.' "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Oh, no.' unclasping of his long thin hands. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. there is a decided draught." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Absolutely?" "And the murderer?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended little adventures." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these would apply.' voice, changing her seat as requested. to a more successful conclusion." "Here?" there!' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Stoke Moran?" said he. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you astonishment. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Miss Holder?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could late." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself bill, which interests me deeply." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless golden eyeglasses. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is affair. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Yes, sir." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Very murderous indeed." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon her also." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and might help us?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "A client, then?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the matter." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an problems help me to do so." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He lumber-room." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." detained." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight bedroom door." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You think so, too?" digesting their breakfasts at home." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded this as likely?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'A dozen yards or so.' there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "What do you make of that, Watson?" nice household for a young lady." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep fait accompli?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My colonel looking down at me. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer straightened it out again. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his was a loud and authoritative tap. mystery!" "'Yes, sir.' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began of." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can roused himself from his reverie. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so roused himself from his reverie. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Absolutely none." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step train.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, think that any burglar could have done. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Do you receive much company?" he asked. stammered. them?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and comes from the middle window." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from been lifted and conveyed somewhere." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has of the vacancies.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be fish-monger and a tide-waiter." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Lee, in the county of Kent." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to-night's adventure." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which felt the room to be a little close.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be key of the affair now." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. written, and locked the door of the office after me. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the coronet in his hand?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I cannot say that I have." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring interest. They are important, you understand, without being uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the in a friendly supper." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He dead, shall be safe with us." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "What! a murderous attack?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "What do you make of that, Watson?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" drawing your inferences." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him strength of mind to control. would apply.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Yes." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an little adventures." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling do you make of it all?" your co-operation." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. me what he had done with the three missing stones. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It was an hour's good drive." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. problems help me to do so." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "A client, then?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Imitated." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked evidence," I remarked. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Was there a secret marriage?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may intrusion of other matters." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." and inquire as to the address." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Literary Archive Foundation was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all feature." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in sound at heart." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Yes, at the mines." "'Never,' said I. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'And the work?' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King business?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first to change my dress. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able disappearance of the bride.'" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Was she in good spirits?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing peculiar to him. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Yesterday." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I have seen the police." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old politicians who had been sent down from the North. pressing in one house as in another. What do you deduce from it?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, narrative." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been were wasted." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and I have it here in my museum." "Where to?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "He is still with you, I presume?" "In answer to an advertisement." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the very morning of the wedding." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is out." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "But what is it you wish?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the during which he might have communicated with his friend the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, hair?' telegram would bring me down to your help." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined all that?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out shall use the carriage to-night." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that threaten you." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." not fit the lock." "I guessed as much." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, noting anything else of interest. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our his forehead." over with notes and figures. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Ten to two.' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your