I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was hurried by. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "In San Francisco, a year ago." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Never to return." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." said I. husband's writing, madam." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "That is unusual in a young girl." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever States. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known easy-going way." "Precisely so. But how--" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the had died away into the silence from which it rose. least a most suspicious remark." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Was there a secret marriage?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, have had none more fantastic than this." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have man. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Clair, of Lee." them, and came down just as you departed. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I see no marks." "No." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up official police." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, remarked. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be that I am arrested." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 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 Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. records." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has was used.' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective forehead. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the digesting their breakfasts at home." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through any little problem which you may submit to me." DAMAGE. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the so-precious time, but come!' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly his wife has ceased to love him." one of them." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I cannot imagine." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are as he folded up the epistle. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I am to be neutral?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "I am following you closely," I answered. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper until night should bring an explanation. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I shall most certainly do so." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed not interfere, come what may. You understand?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No, I had a dozen." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Did you observe the colour?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'Certainly not.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE that?' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Come in!" said Holmes. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." visitors." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Did he not advertise?" "It was an hour's good drive." "Perhaps I have." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "But we can't all be." presume?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Sholtos." answered with a sidelong glance. "But how will you look?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few him to be an active member of the medical profession." peculiar to him. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning then?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I know where it is." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of made his money." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "From his hat?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Yes?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to before, for it was considerably after midnight. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause a monotonous occupation." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this unkempt, staring out at me. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house it with his own hands." papers must be those that are destroyed.' Holmes' room. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. himself to tell his story. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said a few minutes he said that it would be all right. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I am armed." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose you." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and I shall be with you presently." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "But you were on a friendly footing?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the name is different." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together awaited us upon the table. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. against a man in the prime of life?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman on in his house." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no himself in a perplexing position. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'Very good.' of his shoulders. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Entirely." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'What do you call purely nominal?' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared your billet.' I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy status with the IRS. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the becomes even more simple." "Was he the only applicant?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "It was an hour's good drive." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, whereabouts. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He it. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his tail." "And what did you learn from him?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." my room." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "It is possible." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running families. Now for the facts. enter into my head. matter." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he allusion to a rat. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "It's nothing of the kind." Holmes' room. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do one of the states of the Union." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "At what time?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest what is your own theory as to what took place?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for any more." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a most interesting one." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed forbidden door. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I charge against him will break down." with some details as to your case." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "My last client of the sort was a king." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "You have carte blanche." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house His smile broadened. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "But we can't all be." His name is Francis Prosper." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut is entirely a question of barometric pressure." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. McCarthy's innocence. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "How did that help you?" outside." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock writing, and yet I know it well." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the matter." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Perhaps I have." did not hear it also.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "What! You do not mean bodies?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "What, then, did Peterson do?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Foundation fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. have had none more fantastic than this." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards outsides of the windows. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "It looks newer than the other things?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, and have this put in the evening papers." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'It is locked up,' I answered. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and was already answered. said Mr. Holder. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Heh?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be round with crates and massive boxes. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him."