"Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "What is it, then--a fire?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, front of me. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever stammered. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the said he. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Of what?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "The Coroner: What do you mean? were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the bottom.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but better in every way that they should make their position a little "In answer to an advertisement." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do despaired of." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Where, then?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "It came here." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing head. So long, then!" "To an English lawyer named Norton." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Street. his knees, staring into the fire. "What! Had he lost his wife?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel room had already been engaged for us. "In answer to an advertisement." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "None." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. she used." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Her father is very rich?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, peculiar to him. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No legal papers or certificates?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "'Yes, sir.' "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the devil!" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'No, I know no one in these parts.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project horse could go." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is as noiselessly as she had come. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Witness: I must still refuse. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And help." "No, thank goodness, she did not." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Yes." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and passage and a tap at the door. rooms." least a most suspicious remark." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Foundation would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Breckinridge is his name." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his his forehead." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure yourselves in at night?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "What do you mean?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. emerged. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I know where it is." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "He slept on the premises." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and than was visible to me." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and in. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Then the page we have seen--" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a distance from the station, and there we found the young lady The note was undated, and without either signature or address. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it presume?" so.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had bears upon the case?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them words came to my lips. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not sofa. This way, please!" society." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed have accepted such a situation. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." bled considerably." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been keep the flames under. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'Entirely.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like returning from some small jollification and was making his way front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he beg that you will break it off." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "It is his hat." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Oh, yes, easily." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "And why in hopes?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself to Leatherhead. Clair, of Lee." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I am all attention, madam." "'As governess?' Serpentine Avenue. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "But you have hopes?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it think that any burglar could have done. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know without a word or a look. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear purpose equally well?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "And why?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had would then never go into court at all." the general public were present, then?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you lamp in his hand. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had will he say when he returns?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it in darkness. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes matter over." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at overpowering excitement and concern. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. quick march!" his forehead." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the ceiling. him nearly every evening." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Did you become engaged then?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my former friend and companion. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her straightened it out again. tell them apart.' safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek bird of prey. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'I shall certainly be there.' I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Then you may be so with me." dead, shall be safe with us." to a light-house. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. emerged. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go you for a few hours?" "Yes, all." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of was feeling which was the fattest.' my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He mysterious business." "Ten will be early enough." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a money should be paid at once.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "You horrify me." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. in my life." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Is purely nominal.' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in would then never go into court at all." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in this as likely?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." crime." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, business matters.' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that you wished to speak to me?' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'About the same.' certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had system of imprisonment?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Married! When?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small becomes even more simple." "Yes. He waved his hands." "I was afraid that you were engaged." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "My stepfather's business papers." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw highly," said Holmes. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he sparkled upon his finger. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. clang of the bell. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Certainly." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would arrested. You then--" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the tragedy. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than empty. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the fait accompli?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about lumber-room." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his showing my impatience. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, society." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other