a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "May I see it?" attention." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You'll never persuade me to believe that." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish before, for it was considerably after midnight. "What can you not understand?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, fasten all the windows?" "Was the window open?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I beg pardon." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Certainly." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "My dear Holmes!" few hundred pounds.' It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to you." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are shall use the carriage to-night." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Very well, sir. And this stone?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity I held the little printed slip to the light. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to forehead. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "A call for help, you thought?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Watson," he said cordially. "Ten will be early enough." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I am sure." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "And on what day did he meet his death?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was roused himself from his reverie. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the child." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "You forget that I know nothing about it." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace are windows in it, of course?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Street. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when in one or two places in England?' hopeless attempt at recovering them." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four of." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this simple cases which are so extremely difficult." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Has he come with you to-night?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and you." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup indeed which he could not unravel. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to case-book, which he consulted. later, upon the night of May 2nd." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire annoyance, but no jest. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the warnings." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm upon a handsome competence. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which I could not give. He asked for Alice. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when forebodings. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "BALLARAT." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "May I see it?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing some mystery and the punishment of some crime." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "The knees of his trousers." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "And why?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for soul! here is her carriage at the door." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Yes." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of eat it." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, business." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'And the work?' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those tassel actually lying upon the pillow. furiously. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on this as likely?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "And how in the world did you find them?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will my special province." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was awaited us upon the table. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small three fields round his house, and there he would take his dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "What do you mean?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'Oh, no.' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." one of them." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "You horrify me!" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society man. "And why in hopes?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already leave you to your papers for a little." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' miles off. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'Where to?' It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young wedding?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my appeared upon the scene." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own carried out of court." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'What are you doing there?' he asked. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Not particularly." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible floor. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any During two years I have had three consultations and one small manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "This photograph!" "You are all wrong." "We must have a cab." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike south, for the country is more deserted there." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard wedding?" that you wished to speak to me?' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New prepare for the new role I have to play." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the them, and came down just as you departed. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. you give your casting vote to?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip acted in my house last night?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." his fortune, and I went back to pa. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was as he folded up the epistle. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "To the police?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I cannot say that I have." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "An enemy?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must along the entire front of the house, with three long windows heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates interested in these little problems, and since you are good showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I never have." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Ample." me. You must get home instantly and act." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and which our visitor detailed to us. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. himself in a perplexing position. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." morning." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important even so self-evident a thing as that." asked. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled putting in the horse. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "By all means." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found retorted upon me, and I on you." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' charge against him will break down." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn affection." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "You think that he is dead?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Where did you address your letters, then?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Why did you pick him?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of were unconscious?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of only touch the interest." "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." 1.E.9. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Then I do not see the point." posted to-day." advice." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in unclasping of his long thin hands. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the night.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "How did you deduce the select?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" chance." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "My Mary? Impossible!" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, joking. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know be.' skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the devil!" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the thirty. following enigmatical notices: be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." you in your example." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite pound a week." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the coronet in his hand?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever get the tickets." upon the white wrist. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Yes, but only for you and me." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Yes, at the mines." tension within him. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath.