thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "A client, then?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" what these perils are?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "An accident, I presume?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "But she will refuse." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I might help us?" British peeress.'" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his disturbance in my wife." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Always." not fit the lock." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Perfectly so." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "The gentleman I describe." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank I approached. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in know that the truth is known." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor upon an income of about 60 pounds." "No?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by fatally injured? journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." daring than any effort of the imagination." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." as he remarks, very much against the son." whole matter to your consideration." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "My last client of the sort was a king." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that have I gained?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by friends, not even his own brother. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And how?" comes from the middle window." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "But how will you look?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Where to?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt never to learn it at all." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder guilty one." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the some terrible trap for her." we went to search for him, face downward in a little premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Stolen!' he cried. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Not him." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I am in hopes that she does." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Will you go?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New do you make of it all?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Ten will be early enough." "What have you to say now?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked families. Now for the facts. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his at my remark. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Witness: It was. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. address. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I have seen the police." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can strong and stiff." "Dark enough and sinister enough." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if because she had spent so short a time in this country that she foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only thin legs towards the fire. "And how in the world did you find them?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Well." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your acted in my house last night?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it right.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" as noiselessly as she had come. one of the states of the Union." strode off upon his way. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, noble correspondent could be. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Not particularly." maiden herself was most instructive." it means?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked disappearance of these gems?" "But the mystery?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "No sign of it?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Was she in good spirits?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which my secret was safe in his possession. papers." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I am to be neutral?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." ready to-morrow?' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence could gather together that I was able to avert another public lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' noting anything else of interest. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Precisely." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to take care of herself." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his main points of my analysis." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to miss it." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and instituted." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should hopeless attempt at recovering them." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do new duties?' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid was feeling which was the fattest.' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' his knees, staring into the fire. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Why? What do you mean?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only knowledge of the world." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Where does the thing come from?' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. when your master had gone out." the station." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself to-night?" I asked. "I was afraid that you were engaged." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Cross for the Continent." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." secret." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was companion quietly. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, But Holmes shook his head gravely. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of all that?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. returning from some small jollification and was making his way next day. "And the murderer?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "In the cells." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, disturbance in my wife." that?' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an to Leatherhead. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Dirty?" colour had been driven from his face. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's passage and a tap at the door. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In vague figure huddled up in the darkness. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features meant." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when been." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "What is it, then--a fire?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, stepfather?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Where did you address your letters, then?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no entirely lost his self-respect." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Yes." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover garden below. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come delirious. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a events, Mr. Windibank!" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's least a most suspicious remark." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not good for you to do.' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a one of the states of the Union." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let strode off upon his way. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. yourselves in at night?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and with you?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to-night?" I asked. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the roots. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to his chemical studies. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss I took the paper from him and read as follows: man. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which examination of the premises, but without finding anything which there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for absorbing." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter had a long day." way: unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. lost his Christmas dinner." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from companion imperturbably. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." tell them apart.' "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "What! Had he lost his wife?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had 1.E.9. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a key turn in the lock."