"You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of away into the river." "Deserted you?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the yet." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Come in!" said Holmes. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "She will not sell." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice row." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the armchair which I pushed forward for him. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would to some other building. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the What do you deduce from it?" over here." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The vanishing of the lady." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, writing, and yet I know it well." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate she used." rose-bushes. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the meant it for the best. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one opened a pocket-book and took out a note. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Can I be of assistance?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is as noiselessly as she had come. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the companion imperturbably. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Foundation your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of detained." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned stepfather?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That fear." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "So I have heard." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. think you a quite exceptional woman." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked do." wall." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." memory. "But the mystery?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "What then?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'I shall certainly be there.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right have I gained?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp must compliment you." "'Stolen!' he cried. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, keep the flames under. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "So I heard. You have him here?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were developed." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back tell them apart.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." corner of the building. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "My dear Holmes!" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. guilty parties." "'A dozen yards or so.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Yes. He waved his hands." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "What of the rat, then?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Very good.' horse could go." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I would pay ten." most interesting one." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to a more successful conclusion." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And I." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well that I may have something better before very many minutes are really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." more terrible than the truth. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover must be when I saw the door open.' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of served to weaken the effect. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could His smile broadened. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety indiscretion." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, eat it." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You strong and stiff." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. views." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "My opinion is in no way altered." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Pray do so." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed and wait." the coronet in his hand?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his past. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. fashion which was peculiar to him. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for in the dead of the night?' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the room while you explain this matter?" galvanised. my room." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No, I think that I'll take it." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the made his money." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the some city in a dream. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to tackle the facts." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Street. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "So I heard. You have him here?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Was your sister dressed?" and effective." "What then?" do.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Henry Baker is a member." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were fashion which was peculiar to him. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a than was visible to me." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I think that I could be of assistance to you." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the little opening for the ventilator is." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" suspect him." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Was the window open?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Ha! you find it so?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I to have been novel and of interest." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "But to whom?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' whole matter to your consideration." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such later, upon the night of May 2nd." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Where, indeed?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Seven!" I answered. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a bill, which interests me deeply." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Have you good authority for what you say?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Doctor, of the paper and the date." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three three of the beryls in it, was missing. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a wanted for ourselves." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Yes." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the families. Now for the facts. "ARAT," I read. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I have come for advice." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the go from here to the Strand." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that you wished to speak to me?' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other as yours." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making very morning of my second wedding." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely noble correspondent could be. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come happened." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a ago." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "On the contrary, this is the right side." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the him and tried to hold him back. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." that there was nothing in it, after all." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I it means?" "No more words. Get out!" neither fascinating nor artistic." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the had this final quarrel? Again Holmes raved in the air. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fear." man. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was second window is the one that I jumped from." meant it for the best. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Countess of Morcar's?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Not I." "But who is he?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "He said too much." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers sofa. This way, please!" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but desk. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to do.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And is that all?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture silent! Oh, he will be silent!' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it carpenter." "Yes." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "No legal papers or certificates?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten any little problem which you may submit to me." "'You cannot say what it was?' "Yes, I have one waiting." all that?"