days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "I say it is." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Witness: It was. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look photograph?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the salesman. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but shall not find me ungrateful." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as matter." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves are, I think, all that we need." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at take the flies, but not before." "I was afraid that you were engaged." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "None." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, gone. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Entirely." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss meant." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. on re-entering her father's house?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in because she had spent so short a time in this country that she given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "What have you done?" asked Holmes. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no death." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Ample.' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "It is to him that this trophy belongs." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "And I to find an enemy." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. you understand?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "My Mary? Impossible!" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A appeared upon the scene." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'I shall certainly be there.' that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed me." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Pool. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of hopeless attempt at recovering them." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted a monotonous occupation." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and glanced through. again, where I was soon asleep. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the for the market.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something DISSOLVED. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case even so self-evident a thing as that." shall not find me ungrateful." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Bought." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And it is--" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to http://www.gutenberg.net "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Then I shall certainly come." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began begin with, and I had not got mine yet." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His than to us. "Then you may be so with me." "Dirty?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's made his money." here and I will read it to you: "In what way?" asked Holmes. States. "I have my revolver," said I. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret you?" "The Cedars?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Very murderous indeed." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the matter?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, arrangements." "It is solved." "Yes?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Never to return." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Won't it ring?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to what is your own theory as to what took place?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door ourselves in the office." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them examination of the premises, but without finding anything which very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest go back?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was knowledge of the world." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the coronet at all injured?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "You saw the ventilator, too?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Precisely." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Entirely." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony been." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "And I to find an enemy." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, client, rising. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got of your young ladies.' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He very old mansion. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "My private note-paper." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." question," said Holmes, smiling. morning." "Thank you. Pray proceed." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), from the brougham. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "What?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Well, some hundreds of times." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the what these perils are?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the nursery. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Very murderous indeed." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle one else, I think." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and arrangements." to-night's adventure." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and your relations to her." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain McCarthy." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "So I have heard." which it had come upon my father." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Yes, it would be as well." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was breakfast?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a wedding?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. depend upon my doing so.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace completely overtopped every other consideration that we both time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, drawing your inferences." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the make me his representative both with the servants and with the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate may have an influence upon European history." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one people in all walks of life. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black conclusions. Farm upon the left." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing against a man in the prime of life?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning made his money." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been memory. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot touch that coronet?' "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. vanished into the darkness. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front business at Coburg Square is serious." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What extraordinary contortions. to that open window." a monotonous occupation." success. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I cannot tell." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head wife's character?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that ago." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do himself in a perplexing position. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Literary Archive Foundation forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no brain must have something in it." place of silver." "But not more so than I to find you." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin friends, not even his own brother. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This charged with?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, lamp in his hand. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the people don't know." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a derbies." and all of them with the keenest interest. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I have got?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Yes." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is