for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "She showed me, as I told you she would." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we annoyance, but no jest. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of weary and pale-looking. appeal." matters immensely." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your to Leatherhead. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Yes, sir.' "Your sister is dead, then?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered that he will be back before evening." your room." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is an introduction to him?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you breakfast." "Dr. Becher's." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'How far from the body?' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Where, then?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again will take you up to see the machine.' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical it." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you gone. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. habit of advancing money.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "What I expected to see." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the depend upon my doing so.' "May I see it?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, desk. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold as he remarks, very much against the son." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Can I be of assistance?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been deduce something from that?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "But your client--" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out see me here to avoid scandal." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "An accident, I presume?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Then the page we have seen--" photograph a cabinet?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of newspaper selections." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Stolen." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." official police." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties certainly do as you advise." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "He said too much." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I drawing your inferences." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." amused." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set John Swain, of St. Augustine. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project acquaintance?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire formed some opinion?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's definite end. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a grasp, he hurried from the room. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wanted for ourselves." to some other building. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, not, dad?" she asked. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "My photograph." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until corner of the building. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they pictures, libraries, or plate. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "You will not go there first?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Proceed, then." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Get out!" said he. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "And how in the world did you find them?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "This photograph!" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that I was concerned in it." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Holmes, the busybody!" cup of tea. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was feeling which was the fattest.' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the to miss it." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "She walked into the breakfast-room." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the salesman. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of way in." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "At the wedding breakfast." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless letters?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "How are you getting on?" had a long day." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in neither fascinating nor artistic." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" union?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows it." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was business." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "It is no ordinary one." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith there when the Rucastles went away." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this three of the beryls in it, was missing. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent carpenter." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "You think so, too?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my a very grave face. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Absolutely none." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny works. "Absolutely?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards this as likely?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "How did you deduce the select?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, disappearance of the bride.'" the window, rose as we entered. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And why?" "Stolen, then." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Foundation companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to or other trace. But how on earth--" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of towards the blaze. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to said I. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper fish-monger and a tide-waiter." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Witness: I must still refuse. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can thirty. "You think so, too?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Nothing?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the date of his supposed suicide." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming all that?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "When did she vanish, then?" will be renamed. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but here." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. trying to your nerves." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "9th. McCauley cleared. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. had picked up in the wood. wedding?" II. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet cigar and let me expound." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." developed." populous neighbourhood." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "But it has twice been burgled." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from hurried away. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is on in his house." closing the door. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the leave you to your papers for a little." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Pray do so." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that be sorry for having acted so harshly." cause to be." to his chemical studies. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard ago." if I call to-morrow?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this morning." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'Then let me do so?' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day most interesting one." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was as yours." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do asked. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper to-night?' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my mysterious end." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Leadenhall Street--and--" that I can to serve you." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You horrify me!" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "'Ten to two.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if followed. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be said he. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Very much so." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the me. You must get home instantly and act." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the there!' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and business at Coburg Square is serious." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is less than 26s. 4d. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes unclasping of his long thin hands. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me our word." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun in the hope of finding them." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "That's no good." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." made his money." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any it." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Entirely.' remarked. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we 1.F. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "But of what society?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project round with crates and massive boxes. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Ah!" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY be. she to prove their authenticity?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'Stolen!' he cried.