"'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without foot. bird of prey. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the fear." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'I have heard so.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do how narrow had been my escape. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his his grey eyes. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the posted to-day." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg again." "Absolutely?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Witness: I must still refuse. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "And how did you verify them?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before one else, I think." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, again on its way. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every must compliment you." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, asked. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some is so. I know all about McCarthy." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the do.' client, rising. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how door?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in know what is wrong with it.' had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired used to be." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned at my own good fortune. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him very peculiar words of the dying woman?" you." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Yes." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "By train from Waterloo." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, a little more before I quite committed myself. conclusions. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I am following you closely," I answered. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the station." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss ways of our fellow-men." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a you in yours." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting presented more singular features than that which was associated mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Nothing?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few went to the Alpha were town bred." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady fluttered off among the others. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the dates and names. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to License. You must require such a user to return or "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Edgeware Road. address. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on their singular warning or token before them when starting upon in the port of London." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in his hands." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Witness: Nothing definite. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "You know me, then?" only touch the interest." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Oh, the cause is excellent!" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you read it out to me." "But what is it you wish?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "You did not overhear what they said?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to tackle the facts." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I was afraid that you were engaged." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It is a murder, then?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to have been novel and of interest." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself extraordinary contortions. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six is so. I know all about McCarthy." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the in one or two places in England?' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Your sister is dead, then?" "And how did he make his money?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "What are they?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to promised to bring home. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly room. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but mysterious business." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his cigars in the box." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and States. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Very. But will he see it?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." drawing your inferences." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see forebodings. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and a suggestive one." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "What then?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building of a light. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of the way of danger. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the mystery." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Nothing." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in this as likely?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "My own seal." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Then I am your man." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Holmes' face clouded over. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "But it has twice been burgled." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was one or two very singular points about this room. For example, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You are all wrong." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to matter over." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'A dozen yards or so.' them?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your mysterious end." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at waste of energy." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "How can you tell that?" when you have done it." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Texas, I think." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to that open window." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. light and attacked it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "My opinion is in no way altered." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" your troubles." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they telegram would bring me down to your help." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and problems help me to do so." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Holmes' thin, eager face. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Always." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the best of training." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, washing it down with a long draught of water. Sutherland. had a long day." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." intrusion of other matters." the south-west, I see." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these with her." events than those which have happened in my own family." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a you want, then?' "Was the window open?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his matter." enter into my head. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father second window is the one that I jumped from." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all tied." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on other lovers by making love himself." "'Yes, I promise.' the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; papers on the sundial.'" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is distinguish the words: "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less back alive. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project look upon these things in a different way." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. been." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Yes." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch tassel actually lying upon the pillow. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the nursery. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is highroad, where all traces were lost. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, visitors." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may DISSOLVED. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant this as likely?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with joking. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a man. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who what I may call a really hard day's work." strong reason behind." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "To an end?" You want to know what became of those geese?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon man. I know him from the photograph." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Mrs. Toller serenely. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had plantation.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and