long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Then you may entirely rely on me." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to III. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" is a common subject for conversation. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too has little to do with my story." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "You are all wrong." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one her also." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he from you?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt developed." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I cannot tell." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is colour had been driven from his face. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I that, and I came down." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my crime. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Street. think, you have already met." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? astonishment. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'I am sure that I do not know.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." three of the beryls in it, was missing. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Do you receive much company?" he asked. your room." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the together. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Not yet." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that he will be back before evening." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his arrested. You then--" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the appeared upon the scene." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am and effective." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here down from London to inquire more deeply into it." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but singular points about the case. What did the police think of the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Very truly yours, "He slept on the premises." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Mary, has deserted me." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite indeed which he could not unravel. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in gentleman's clothes. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address not, dad?" she asked. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I shall continue with my miserable story. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could depend upon my doing so.' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there new acquaintance to Baker Street. drove away. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what as yours." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that union?" "Did he not advertise?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Lee, in the county of Kent." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. case before our client came into the room." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. meant." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. read it out to me." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable is," said he presently: conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You have but to name it." "No, my brougham is waiting." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his fortune, and I went back to pa. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the stable lane now." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I such attractions and accomplishments?' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how one or two very singular points about this room. For example, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "My dear Holmes!" III. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank experiences." other lovers by making love himself." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any fashion which was peculiar to him. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP highroad, where all traces were lost. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and the colonel ushered me in. that?' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have made his money." morning." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Witness: It was. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Yesterday." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious fishes. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I would pay ten." again, where I was soon asleep. ventilator." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him bell. Holmes whistled. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which our visitor detailed to us. villagers almost as much as their master. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural enter Dr. Roylott's room." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them memory. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I matter over." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' conduct the inquiry." second window is the one that I jumped from." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." meant it for the best. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my union?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must events than those which have happened in my own family." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for in your London, you will know that the office of the company is over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "No, but the enclosure is." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been John Swain, of St. Augustine. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know You want to know what became of those geese?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I tear off another piece?' The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting speckled band?" amused." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a you for a few hours?" "ARAT," I read. taking in every detail of the apartment. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her business in the City. She little knew what. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email carried out of court." "Certainly." "Who was the criminal, then?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Countess of Morcar's?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Has he come with you to-night?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will his face. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an started for the Temple to see my husband. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this see me here to avoid scandal." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'Where to?' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She certainly do as you advise." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told have got?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "VIOLET HUNTER." the nursery. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Clair, of Lee." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and shall probably return to London by the evening train." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Were they all fastened this morning?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a disappearance of these gems?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most train.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, advice." money should be paid at once.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing have an American origin." what I may call a really hard day's work." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and put his glass in his pocket. way: weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he from you?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons 11:15.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I to arrive at through this?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. rooms." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Ten will be early enough." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the forecastle of an emigrant ship. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "The vanishing of the lady." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Who by?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "No, thank goodness, she did not." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Well, it is a possible supposition." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Surrey." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'It is locked up,' I answered. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "But how?" Street. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "It is possible." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "And the murderer?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I was concerned in it." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Pool. six. Come in!" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Pope's Court, Fleet Street." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so I held the little printed slip to the light. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Of what?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came guilty one." "Married! When?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a I nodded to show that I had heard. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss call for protection in the marriage market, for the present last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I beg pardon." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would out of this horrible affair." been able to understand it, in a very few words. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Yes." developed." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of compunction about shooting them down." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Most admirably.' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "None." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I have seen the police." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'It is locked up,' I answered. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "To an end?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "But I am all in the dark." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a questioning and rather startled gaze. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. in his power. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that like gravel from a pit.' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not indiscretion." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Nothing." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant business?"