I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you fluttered off among the others. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my points to suicide?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the armchair which I pushed forward for him. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. brandy and water within his reach. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in my room." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Certainly." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the definite end. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime present." Eyford." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for be.' "It is no ordinary one." hardly wander." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the little opening for the ventilator is." occurred." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "But you can know nothing of this?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You have carte blanche." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'Stolen!' he cried. "And Miss Sutherland?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And is that all?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing now. It seems that there had been some informality about their to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Not particularly." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "But we can't all be." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the bachelor.' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "But his left-handedness." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, up this clue while it is still hot." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Breckinridge is his name." "Why did you beat the pavement?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, you want, then?' "Could he throw no light?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Your presence might be invaluable." tension within him. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'Which dealer's?' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun works. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "No." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "And I." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one prisoner's face. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I will not look." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the bottom.' father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "What, then, did Peterson do?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Of what day?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He swore that no one else had been in the front room during the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but of." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "And what then?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you of Mr. Rucastle's." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness occupations.' "I will get her to show me." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was cause to be." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Did he not advertise?" attention." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about in his power. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "That is possible." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Where could I find him?' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, second window is the one that I jumped from." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from foot. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, in darkness. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to woven round him. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, next day. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "But I am all in the dark." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, presume?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What, then, did Peterson do?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my felt the room to be a little close.' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her of the efforts of the United States government and of the better running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step frequently gained my first real insight into the character of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after helping a boy to put up the shutters. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the gone. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, tear off another piece?' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his man. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'Most admirably.' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the best of training." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey once more to my work. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for have accepted such a situation. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his skylight. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell him." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened words came to my lips. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And the cigar-holder?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Heh?' to-night." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and effective." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, ordinary clothes on?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the matter?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I will, Miss Turner." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her strong reason behind." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes nothing with him." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the side-table." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of breakfast?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up bell. Holmes whistled. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "He said too much." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest was a perfect sample of the class. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy always that they were such commands as a lady might with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' other lovers by making love himself." father's young wife. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "I shall most certainly do so." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or as the one I chose?' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "You saw the ventilator, too?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon cup of tea. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately I approached. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I tear off another piece?' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the them?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My DISSOLVED. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house ceremony." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "The knees of his trousers." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. of this gang." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all golden eyeglasses. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible distinguish the words: if only as a check to my own memory." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the galvanised. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "So I am. Very much so." "Certainly." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a little adventures." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I I approached. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never to change my dress. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "But his lameness?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into was not a bird to be seen there. what do you think they found in the pockets?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have companion. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and a shock of very red hair. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my which we had just quitted. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air tell him that I know him to be innocent." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure place of silver." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the whether it answered to the description of any of their manager. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger know all about it," he snarled. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet you give your casting vote to?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of the one which your family is now devouring." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can been shamefully used." "Always." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "How about poison?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the very morning of the wedding." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I held the little printed slip to the light. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "The Coroner: What do you mean? I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Nothing." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to bare slabs of marble. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." was a lad." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Just look it up, then." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing foresight and the moral retrogression?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I see no marks." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the