is," said he presently: then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "How did you trace it, then?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I am to be neutral?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "And who is her maid?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I cannot tell." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The there!' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Your presence might be invaluable." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "She told me to ask you." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" him. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "The doctor?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's opened the door, and slipped through. "Yes." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was official police." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Yes." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'There is a drive, then?' Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a some terrible trap for her." to me. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from some terrible trap for her." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that copied or distributed: instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden back alive. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "And the cigar-holder?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your your most interesting statement." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "But you were on a friendly footing?" peculiar to him. business." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two if I call to-morrow?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Certainly,' I answered. advice." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the these bleak autumnal evenings." during which he might have communicated with his friend the place no limit on the sum I may draw." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "And Miss Sutherland?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Come in!" said he. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about his face which made him a very different person to the round, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary III. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two letters?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I up this clue while it is still hot." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard legal crime." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I out of this horrible affair." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known my former friend and companion. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the in this way: "Yes." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "You think that he is dead?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he that?' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon wall." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "No, thank goodness, she did not." "You have the photograph?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but have had none more fantastic than this." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set in this way: leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the more solid." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my narrative." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a society." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is not use it unless it is absolutely needed." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Nothing." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same status with the IRS. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the it. his huge brown hands. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to-night?' should be so warm over such a trifle." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it politicians who had been sent down from the North. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it but preventing her from injuring another. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them article?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the notes," he said. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and what do you think they found in the pockets?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity burst out into a roar of laughter. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." when your master had gone out." "None." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Precisely." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of with the outside air!" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. tear off another piece?' some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for weigh very heavily upon my conscience." was shining brightly. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "You will not go there first?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. unclasping of his long thin hands. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a o'clock is it?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Who by?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being companion imperturbably. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Sutherland?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'I shall certainly be there.' eat it." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Pray let us have it, for all that." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I bell. Holmes whistled. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Yes, all." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Then I shall certainly come." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, to change my dress. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE when your master had gone out." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' foot. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's someone who had been in Australia." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. intrusion of other matters." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was feeling which was the fattest.' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Certainly not. But why?' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes, he did." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as so.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "No, finished." to some other building. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did man. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of happened." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the salesman. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole back alive. think that he is innocent?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord chill to my heart. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you see a sister of mine apply for." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I am following you closely," I answered. colour had been driven from his face. "But she will refuse." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden himself. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her quite distinctive." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Eh? What was that?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the who was a member of your goose club." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't made his money." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Holmes. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "And I to find an enemy." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the south, for the country is more deserted there." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. noting anything else of interest. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was new acquaintance to Baker Street. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Not social, then?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "What have you done?" asked Holmes. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the Red-headed League." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and coroner's jury." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons it were putty." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "My dear Holmes!" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Foundation and prosperity to your house. Good-night." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be garden below. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. me what he had done with the three missing stones. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only use an arc-and-compass breastpin." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "ARAT," I read. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the pressing in one house as in another. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle outside. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming written. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the dangers which encompass me." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined