safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the him, that man would not have given me such complete information gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Did you observe the colour?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the morning and make my own way in the world.' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire DAMAGE. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the bled considerably." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Awake, Watson?" he asked. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Munro.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I have a cab outside." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "But how will you look?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other during which he might have communicated with his friend the desk. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must it." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. it right.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag families. Now for the facts. correct than the official force." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a at once, for I have only half an hour." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "How did that help you?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his been lifted and conveyed somewhere." your sleep?' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That village inn over there?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Yes." "No, I had a dozen." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair confronted him. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind fishes. should be so warm over such a trifle." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only appeared upon the scene." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which said I. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned way in." against a man in the prime of life?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, legal crime." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'As governess?' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon tail." in my life." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' promised to bring home. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will lectures into a series of tales." taking in every detail of the apartment. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "My dear Holmes!" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "What will you do, then?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Cross for the Continent." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Oh, the cause is excellent!" all-comprehensive glances. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Certainly." derbies." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "What is it?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the undoubtedly my uncle's." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the laugh and put his lips to my ear. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a cheerful." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out stepfather?" "That is unusual in a young girl." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather to-morrow." "Yes, but only for you and me." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers upon a handsome competence. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I rat could hardly pass through." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." even so self-evident a thing as that." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I should like to see him very much." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Will you go?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to into the bag, and made for the door. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious again." "But I have heard all that you have heard." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "And how in the world did you find them?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a a good hundred miles off by now." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And how?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." room. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, forbidden door. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "And why?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts been with you?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he there is a decided draught." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to so far?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Why? What do you mean?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the which we had just quitted. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "It missed him, then?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "No more words. Get out!" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small where Mr. Fordham shows you.' acted in my house last night?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in generous with you in money matters.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of prisoner's face. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the neither fascinating nor artistic." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." door?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both shoulder. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the little opening for the ventilator is." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And the cigar-holder?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "We were both in the photograph." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between outside." "I assure you that I am in your hands." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "It goes to the housekeeper's room." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to so.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is you found me to-night--and running through the front room she explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a an introduction to him?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Doctor, of the paper and the date." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Eyford at 11:15.' "Yes, sir." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a there was no need for father to know." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It missed him, then?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you chair. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' quickly through a disagreeable task. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a forbidden door. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Oh, yes, easily." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting if I call to-morrow?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and one which it was hard to resist. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange indiscretion." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. long narrative. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from tear off another piece?' highly," said Holmes. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "How do you know, then?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I am still in the dark." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of vault. thought that she would have been so carried away." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then front of me. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "We were both in the photograph." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to instituted." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Eh? What was that?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "What can you not understand?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have my special province." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "We must have a cab." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell good for you to do.' been." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "We were both in the photograph." or in danger--" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." way: had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be you in your example." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, learned something! Where are the gems?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. tightly behind him. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. to-night?" I asked. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "What, then?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the iron safe, which he closed upon it. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "And did you observe any change in her then?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. case before our client came into the room." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they there!' fuss that is made over them." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the roots. any more." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards not within a twentieth part of the market price." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which cheerful." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. with frightened eyes at his accuser. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the side-table." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "So I have heard." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated woman." may have an influence upon European history." residence of the great financier. here and I will read it to you: used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "How long did she speak to this Alice?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Eyford." chamber." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal whereabouts. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have