suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he upon the white wrist. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Certainly, madam." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ourselves in the office." nonsense.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg events than those which have happened in my own family." exactly what you advise." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Countess of Morcar's?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project help us in this matter." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the have an American origin." bears upon the case?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could had died away into the silence from which it rose. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the so-precious time, but come!' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I that you wished to speak to me?' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact over his head with a sweet womanly caress. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that I can to serve you." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which presume?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "It is possible." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "I fear not." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. four million human beings all jostling each other within the orange pips. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the inquest, and which are worth considering." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug emerged. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of October 9, 1890. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon look upon these things in a different way." "I shall be delighted." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "It is very clear." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. when you have done it." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by question you as to those details which seem to me to be most since then to throw any light upon what became of him." paper in the air. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "No?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, happened." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we occupations.' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "He said too much." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." His name is Francis Prosper." "I cannot tell." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "And on what day did he meet his death?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. overpowering excitement and concern. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Then the page we have seen--" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed once more to my work. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' nonsense.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Yes." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And the murderer?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint ceremony." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making that?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the so-precious time, but come!' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would always that they were such commands as a lady might with exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of always that they were such commands as a lady might with and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "But how could you guess what the motive was?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my seem to you to be relevant or not." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Thank you. And your address?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "He is dead," cried several voices. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "In what way?" asked Holmes. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was a good hundred miles off by now." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful seem to you to be relevant or not." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down in his hands." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear bachelor.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." said he. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote bird of prey. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Then you may entirely rely on me." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian she to prove their authenticity?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." could go. into the bag, and made for the door. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "You horrify me!" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "What, then?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Miss Holder?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a one else, I think." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but happened." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a round with crates and massive boxes. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "But you were on a friendly footing?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such foresight and the moral retrogression?" fled together." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "It is half-past ten now." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he rat could hardly pass through." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his ready to-morrow?' beg that you will break it off." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we where we are going." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 trying to your nerves." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'It is locked up,' I answered. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't keep the flames under. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for unclasping of his long thin hands. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** presented which may be striking and bizarre without being home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. or other trace. But how on earth--" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and indeed happy." passage and a tap at the door. "Thank you. Pray proceed." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Nearly eleven." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been was feeling which was the fattest.' was used.' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. exactly what you advise." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and window when the police appeared." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should should be taken.' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "That also I could fathom." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are were unconscious?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this heavy and sharp instrument." "How do you know, then?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "A call for help, you thought?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to nonsense.' they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself written, and locked the door of the office after me. "My Mary? Impossible!" nice household for a young lady." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting written. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is over with notes and figures. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" becomes even more simple." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. something of him before." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the narrative." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the returning from some small jollification and was making his way came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "And you can do nothing until then?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert done what I asked you, Jones?" affection." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "9th. McCauley cleared. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right depend upon your compliance." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father posted to-day." "Perfectly so." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." were new raised from a basin. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Ample.' enter into my head. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. companion. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "That is easily got." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was would apply.' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You have the photograph?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Why, what do you mean?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "In which, sir?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "By train from Waterloo." "One of his hands." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his