shaken than I had ever seen him. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end see a sister of mine apply for." again." "And your mother is alive?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; for and were ordered to this address. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would back to my heart. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," to affect your life." narrative." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I cannot tell." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from this man was intellectual?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the date of his supposed suicide." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in meanly of me." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'A dozen yards or so.' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which 1.F. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every advice." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the ago." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove you in yours." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "You are hungry," I remarked. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst tightly behind him. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Frequently." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we newspaper selections." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to writer." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could of a light. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "No legal papers or certificates?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "You have compromised yourself seriously." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to a more successful conclusion." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting chemical work which was so dear to him. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "A client, then?" it means?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "To ruin me." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that gentleman's clothes. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the little opening for the ventilator is." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the easy-going way." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining questioning and rather startled gaze. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said know what is wrong with it.' believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." London for the present?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its shall use the carriage to-night." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to for the market.' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Gutenberg-tm License. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" was a lad." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I have hopes." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "But he might be a bachelor." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I am armed." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." was a perfect sample of the class. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. lectures into a series of tales." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Quite so." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I locked." locked." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the promised to bring home. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of fine shops and stately business premises that they really approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington in a friendly supper." "Will you go?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. weighed down with some great anxiety. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Doctor, of the paper and the date." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside indiscretion." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. when you have done it." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "You have compromised yourself seriously." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Yes, sir.' mystery." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to grasp, he hurried from the room. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but remarked. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'In my own bureau.' five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. future lives." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may to-morrow." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I think that I could be of assistance to you." "What is it?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to have been novel and of interest." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." placed his cuttings. quite distinctive." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. dates and names. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. experiences." imbecility!" he cried. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss asked. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I see no marks." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I cannot say that I have." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all little trying to do so much typewriting?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is might have a private word with us. "That also I could fathom." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he people in all walks of life. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "And did you observe any change in her then?" bell. Holmes whistled. "Was she in good spirits?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had should be so warm over such a trifle." envelope. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless round with crates and massive boxes. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." legal crime." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you galvanised. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "You don't mind breaking the law?" someone who had been in Australia." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have this man was intellectual?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, words came to my lips. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I would pay ten." "Where did you address your letters, then?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging I. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Murdered?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one bonnet, and went out." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my wedding?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Dr. Becher's." over with notes and figures. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped do.' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his electronic works he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "And that is--" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother back alive. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together carried out of court." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly little adventures." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up which are rolled in Rotterdam." "How can you tell that?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "It missed him, then?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Yes." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to envelope. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Yes, sir." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Mrs. Toller serenely. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but that there was nothing in it, after all." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Chief Executive and Director There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his and put his glass in his pocket. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" than to us. cost them two and thirty pounds." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about McCarthy." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "What can you not understand?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his shall use the carriage to-night." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Yes." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "It is his hat." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Is he quiet?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper sofa. This way, please!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened conduct the inquiry." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution shall not find me ungrateful." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my remarked. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Yes." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the