subject to the trademark license, especially commercial It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and trying to your nerves." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking IS face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into standing smiling on the door-step. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. more solid." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the hard-headed British jury." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Miss Holder?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Yes, it was twisted." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San http://gutenberg.net/license). coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of them has the shutters up.' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. in this way: hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strode off upon his way. "Just look it up, then." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Never." to a light-house. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the window, rose as we entered. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "And your mother is alive?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when himself in a perplexing position. heavy and sharp instrument." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Of what?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the armchair which I pushed forward for him. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and be.' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect hand, madam?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It looks newer than the other things?" hour?' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to affect your life." unkempt, staring out at me. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Oh, no.' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "How on earth--" evidence," I remarked. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the in. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, his knees, staring into the fire. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never held up the lantern and gazed about him. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed coat-tails." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by heavy and sharp instrument." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Again Holmes raved in the air. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and the whole place is in a blaze." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Yes, he did." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "That is not always so easy." heavy and sharp instrument." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Precisely." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "What I expected to see." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, my room." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No bad?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as into her hand at the door and which lured her within their determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped for the market.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Awake, Watson?" he asked. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, details." It may be so in this case, also." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "10th. John Swain cleared. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon an income of about 60 pounds." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." that you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "The vanishing of the lady." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in this note: listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her in him." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to instituted." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "None. Neville wrote those words." arrangements." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, which it had come upon my father." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Frequently." was keenly on my guard against him. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not particular state visit http://pglaf.org that you wished to speak to me?' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Most admirably.' upon the sideboard." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "No legal papers or certificates?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than or in danger--" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to a light-house. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them directly by questioning you." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and looked back. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to surprise her." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down that before taking the final step I should like to submit the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "At what time?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, keep the flames under. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I should like to see him very much." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." for its centre. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "And how did he make his money?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Why did you pick him?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether absolutely follow my advice in every respect." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "It is no ordinary one." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from lectures into a series of tales." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no thin, with a long, sharp nose?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "It is true that I have been generally successful." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong chambers. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the stable lane now." "But it has twice been burgled." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I don't believe it." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Did you observe the colour?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'And what salary do you ask?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every washing it down with a long draught of water. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I think that it is very probable." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "I will try. What is it?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And why in hopes?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was a little more before I quite committed myself. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "And for present expenses?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She and no precautions can guard against." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "But I have heard all that you have heard." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "What shall I do?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first emerged. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "My Mary? Impossible!" respectable self." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "No." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting empty. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Where did he live, then?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time colonel looking down at me. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found business at Coburg Square is serious." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." arrested. You then--" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." any." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I cannot say that I have." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in companion quietly. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. this remarkable episode. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Precisely." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody one of them." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been not interfere, come what may. You understand?" What do you deduce from it?" not, dad?" she asked. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his shall not find me ungrateful." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and hereditary King of Bohemia." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic existence." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Yes." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "You saw the ventilator, too?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all