to some other building. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his long narrative. "Tired-looking or fresh?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I don't believe it." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every at my remark. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of third from London." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "That sounds a little paradoxical." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" it were putty." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two approach us with offers to donate. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Oh, fresh and glossy." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Then I do not see the point." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "At half-wages, in fact." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it nothing with him." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be exactly what you advise." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Witness: Nothing definite. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the dramatic, in fact." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds until night should bring an explanation. you." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even unkempt, staring out at me. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Holmes, the busybody!" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms to-morrow." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense indeed happy." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I see many objections to any such theory." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "It's nothing of the kind." "About a month then." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will handed it to him. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Yes, sir.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." works. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Look there!" said he. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of washing it down with a long draught of water. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those very morning of my second wedding." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to talk it over. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It carried out of court." "I do." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Why that?' I asks. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a my friend's incisive reasoning. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Proceed, then." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'Certainly,' I answered. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or had this final quarrel? "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Stoke Moran?" said he. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "And help." Doctor, of the paper and the date." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Witness: It was. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "You are all wrong." weighed down with some great anxiety. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I am armed." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "One of his hands." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. than was visible to me." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for is a common subject for conversation. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, fluttered off among the others. light and attacked it." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the there when the Rucastles went away." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken meant it for the best. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Witness: I must still refuse. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Where, then, is my wife?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'What do you call purely nominal?' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "And you thought he was pulled back?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some woven round him. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the with frightened eyes at his accuser. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black followed. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent lectures into a series of tales." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Witness: Nothing definite. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no John Swain, of St. Augustine. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Was your sister dressed?" "Why? What do you mean?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "It certainly sounds feasible." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I electronic works "Why? What do you mean?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into more terrible than the truth. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Where, then, is my wife?" families. Now for the facts. neither fascinating nor artistic." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under in this way: were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Absolutely none." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up ways of our fellow-men." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor garden below. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had instituted." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. village inn over there?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently at my remark. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements subject to the trademark license, especially commercial would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the row." with some details as to your case." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the running down." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'And the work?' the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced to-morrow." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office dates and names. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would there were so many in the whole country as were brought together this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined attention." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "And you thought he was pulled back?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "An enemy?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for remarked. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing and no precautions can guard against." tail." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not over his head with a sweet womanly caress. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Sholtos." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." beg that you will break it off." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! purpose equally well?" you." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned 'please.'" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the salesman. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key hardly wander." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of a light. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Perfectly so." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" you came in." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'Never,' said I. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" desk. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the salesman. "It surprised me." house for five minutes.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in shall use the carriage to-night." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less I shall continue with my miserable story. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Who by?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune