"And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you directors have had misgivings upon the subject." from you?" province." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of back into the street. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is introspective fashion. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise highly," said Holmes. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again made him keep the appointment." lamp. that threaten you." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Eh? What was that?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the disturbance in my wife." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Where did he live, then?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with me. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet against a man in the prime of life?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." excitement. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of again, where I was soon asleep. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Munro.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." lamp in his hand. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the station." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. guilty one." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. will he say when he returns?" it." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few was shining brightly. "Get out!" said he. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "At the wedding breakfast." enter Dr. Roylott's room." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "In heaven's name, what for?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "It certainly sounds feasible." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Eyford at 11:15.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "But she could not love him." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Yes?" miles off. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the devil!" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in It may be so in this case, also." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will what do you think they found in the pockets?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "No." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, This is what he says: "And how in the world did you find them?" "On Monday." a suggestive one." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name these bleak autumnal evenings." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in gone. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." forecastle of an emigrant ship. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have at a side door. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always thin, with a long, sharp nose?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at within hail.' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works existence." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you him. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I once more for Briony Lodge. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was conclusions. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the noble correspondent could be. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Sholtos." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no charged with?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a even of instruction." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. that you saw all that I did." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and stammered. eavesdroppers?' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction stammered. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change IS favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the very letters. But what is this written above them?' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Why, what do you mean?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "The landlord of the Alpha." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his it means?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke congenial hunt. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in bonnet, and went out." to-night?' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Not yet." "If so, much may have happened between." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you interest. They are important, you understand, without being finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Is he quiet?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I you for a few hours?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend a room. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for there is a decided draught." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked carried out of court." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot London for the present?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "It is true that I have been generally successful." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar without a word or a look. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a to-night." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'You doubt its value?' he asked. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "No bad?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an she might be summoned. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had troubles have been weighing upon his mind. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case there has been an enclosure here!" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the King without delay." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "But what harm can there be in that?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "But how?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "At half-wages, in fact." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with McCarthy." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much ordinary clothes on?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Surrey." head. So long, then!" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Of what?" an introduction to him?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Was your sister dressed?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. prepare for the new role I have to play." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that row." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner attention." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that questioning and rather startled gaze. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest considering the formidable letters which were received by himself would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away good-night and bustled off upon her way. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and chance at all." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "And sit in the dark?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the in the port of London." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "How do you know, then?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to people in all walks of life. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Will you bet, then?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'Is purely nominal.' "Breckinridge is his name." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless heavily into it. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the fire. You quite follow me?" "Dirty?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "It is true that I have been generally successful." least a fellow-countryman. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she DISSOLVED. who was a member of your goose club." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others waste of energy." "What will you do, then?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; cigars in the box." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for what is your own theory as to what took place?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that giving me time to thank him. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "How often?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the