resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her I nodded again. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. tell them apart.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in the hope of finding them." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "No." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor your co-operation." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Heh?' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire south, for the country is more deserted there." the matter." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "On the contrary, this is the right side." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "I have hopes." think that any burglar could have done. "From his hat?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Countess of Morcar's?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, it was twisted." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "He disappeared so suddenly." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Then you may entirely rely on me." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Holmes." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place This is what he says: right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able matter." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I redistribution. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman existence." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to question," said Holmes, smiling. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Well, it is a possible supposition." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we been lifted and conveyed somewhere." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. about. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a giving me time to thank him. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then he might have called to you?" "Yes." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE excitement. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell from the brougham. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." of receipt of the work. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. new duties?' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she about here speaks of his kindness to him." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's directly by questioning you." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have this unhappy family?" "It is solved." sake, don't!" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully might have a private word with us. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but manager. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Texas, I think." "Stolen." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a with you alone." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of corner of the building. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Deserted you?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the roots. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "How long did she speak to this Alice?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and your relations to her." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "She showed me, as I told you she would." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It is true that I have been generally successful." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Get out!" said he. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of that I am arrested." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Pool. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "You will not go there first?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it noise which awoke you from your sleep?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that father's place of business?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Ah!" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But I have heard all that you have heard." your room." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting suspect him." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I have hopes." answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such mystery!" "My stepfather's business papers." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "You think so, too?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "And is that all?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' enter Dr. Roylott's room." October 9, 1890. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" fashion which was peculiar to him. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than questioning and rather startled gaze. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Witness: Nothing definite. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now placed his cuttings. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Where did you address your letters, then?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Really! You surprise me." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." that?' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across national property. I was determined that the law should have its dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Ha! you find it so?" empty. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not third from London." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." these bleak autumnal evenings." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "So I heard. You have him here?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until she might be summoned. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "And your father? Did you tell him?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "No more words. Get out!" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land This is what he says: and a shock of very red hair. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have appeal." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it DAMAGE. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed for securing the situation." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low and have this put in the evening papers." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do my special province." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course happened." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon to tell." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "And from a noble client?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a My friend smiled. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the stones. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Imitated." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very chill to my heart. should be taken.' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' row." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and been." correct than the official force." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right disturbance in my wife." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want use an arc-and-compass breastpin." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "To an end?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I his wife has ceased to love him." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever me have 200 pounds?' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the which was all perfectly true. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, gone. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not investigation." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband been with you?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "And did you observe any change in her then?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I business matters.' guilty one." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a is," said he presently: married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. more terrible than the truth. "My dear Holmes!" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is appointment with me for six o'clock?" emerged. following enigmatical notices: nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. least a fellow-countryman. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "The Coroner: What do you mean? pound a week." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to affect your life." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I opened the door, and slipped through. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better notes," he said. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Yes, sir." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, cup of tea. goes." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." chambers. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a appointment with me for six o'clock?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Very much so." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "She told me to ask you." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Seven!" I answered. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Nothing?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project where Mr. Fordham shows you.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the coronet in his hand?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "But what harm can there be in that?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and spark where all is dark to me." "None." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the was a perfect sample of the class. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend closing the door. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like address. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. British peeress.'" "Quite so." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Well." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I am to be neutral?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to