be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two plantation.' Chief Executive and Director to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Can I be of assistance?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the might help us?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "We must have a cab." 11:15.' delirious. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "And when will you call?" tied." away to you." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known any little problem which you may submit to me." "Then the page we have seen--" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step attention." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' meant it for the best. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into floor. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And I." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "What then?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and the church but not where the lady lived." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'Never,' said I. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Chief Executive and Director me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'There is a drive, then?' keep the flames under. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "What do you make of that, Watson?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick see me here to avoid scandal." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. colour had been driven from his face. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that when you have done it." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by so far?" main points of my analysis." "Your French gold?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do if she died from some sudden fright." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" secret." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a guilty parties." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I think it very unlikely." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "And did you observe any change in her then?" himself. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Ample.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." written. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Munro.' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Then how many are there?" remarked. Arthur Conan Doyle "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Surrey." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can instituted." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my yet." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush he. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Not particularly." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly in the hope of finding them." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the bed, and you in that chair." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a were new raised from a basin. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, most interesting one." touch that coronet?' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Yes, that is the Crown." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how friend's singular character. any." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Well, it is a possible supposition." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What of the rat, then?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said together. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "My Mary? Impossible!" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You have it, sir, just as it happened." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "It is possible." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The a very grave face. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Pray let us have it, for all that." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "No." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm know all about it," he snarled. "'Yes, sir.' the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending silent! Oh, he will be silent!' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Yes." forebodings. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, him. and glanced through. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. you." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of as he remarks, very much against the son." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "May I see it?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. asked. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. nothing with him." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Ample." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether was keenly on my guard against him. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "You are hungry," I remarked. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from very old mansion. "Can I be of assistance?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through depend upon my doing so.' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "From his hat?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Was he the only applicant?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation means taking possession of that which another person has a prior appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot horse could go." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the station." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Then you may entirely rely on me." of Mr. Rucastle's." at a side door. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both four million human beings all jostling each other within the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a as noiselessly as she had come. lumber-room." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the handed it to him. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm danger is over." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The absolutely follow my advice in every respect." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "My private note-paper." been shamefully used." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, late!' "Yes, that is the Crown." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "It came here." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was visitors." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "None." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This get the tickets." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line open." "I answered that I had not. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Who by?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, hands. one of them." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an intrusion of other matters." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way have one." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Mrs. Toller serenely. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I should like to see him very much." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the station." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should thought that she would have been so carried away." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady events, Mr. Windibank!" that you can jump it.' "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its she has been waylaid. There has been no result." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his investigation." important." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the with you?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will tell them apart.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods beyond words. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "BALLARAT." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "What, then, did Peterson do?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed think, you have already met." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Witness: Nothing definite. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to became a certainty. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" his wife has ceased to love him." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most had formerly been in part my own. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He results." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small photograph?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "You were travelling in the States?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I little trying to do so much typewriting?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a you?' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a whereabouts. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "He might." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. other lovers by making love himself." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It is half-past ten now." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend he. "I never have." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save indeed happy." past. with her." the roots. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Quite so. She has her freedom." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for derbies." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Holmes' thin, eager face. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the King without delay." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man question. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I cannot tell." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At in darkness. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty questioning and rather startled gaze. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent this as likely?" there was no need for father to know." than to us. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would new acquaintance to Baker Street. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "That was it, sir." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he investigation." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "When did she vanish, then?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Sutherland. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly said Mr. Holder. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple business matters.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance.