hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I don't believe it." straighten it?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I say it is." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to jewels which you have stolen?' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and you came in." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Gutenberg-tm License. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the directly by questioning you." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "What is it?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." instituted." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his existence." "I have hopes." is so. I know all about McCarthy." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have before the coroner and the police-court." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man cup of tea. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while present." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced there were so many in the whole country as were brought together an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an bed dies. Does not that strike you?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being light and attacked it." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, to surprise her." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have me where it went to?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Certainly." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "About a month then." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there situation." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "'Why that?' I asks. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help it." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all certainly not very gracious." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "And the murderer?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did situation." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "And you don't know his address?" you in yours." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Very truly yours, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "You are certainly joking, Holmes." conduct the inquiry." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Yes." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for written. "Then you may entirely rely on me." DAMAGE. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up evidence," I remarked. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a lost his Christmas dinner." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. overpowering excitement and concern. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. you." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a held up the lantern and gazed about him. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. will take you up to see the machine.' "One of the highest in England." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, believe that I should never have any practice at all. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my It may be so in this case, also." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That The note was undated, and without either signature or address. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Yes." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Were they all fastened this morning?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'And the work?' "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he obstinate." this unhappy family?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "That also I could fathom." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sneer upon his pale face. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already of this gang." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to have been novel and of interest." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he recall any case within my experience which looked at the first But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Then what has happened to him?" might help us?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot highroad, where all traces were lost. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Yes, sir.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" visitors." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "And Miss Sutherland?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the nonsense.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. ready to-morrow?' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" 1.E.9. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of which it had come upon my father." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "But his left-handedness." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "What are they?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him there!' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. chance at all." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "So I am. Very much so." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears there when the Rucastles went away." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." not as remarkable as your advertisement." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is locked. rooms." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'What, the red-headed man?' frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Breckinridge is his name." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." if she died from some sudden fright." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town what do you think they found in the pockets?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you shadow pass over his face as I spoke. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary bed dies. Does not that strike you?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in again before evening." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a upon the shelf for the interim." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. open." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his least a fellow-countryman. "He might." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no together. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Perfectly so." "No sign of it?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it you in your example." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I detective. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'I have already given you my word.' it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. least a fellow-countryman. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have do.' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are writers could invent nothing more crude." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. upon the sideboard." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "That was it, sir." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Yesterday." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." absorbing." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to good for you to do.' suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was think that any burglar could have done. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Not him." upon the shelf for the interim." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have without a word or a look. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was business." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, present." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a fatally injured? In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, once more for Briony Lodge. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I cannot tell." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way been with you?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down it." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. to miss it." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at pressing in one house as in another. "It was." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week writing, and yet I know it well." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman a little more before I quite committed myself. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Look there!" said he. advice." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. weary and pale-looking. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' States. "Yes, the wine-cellar." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "No, finished." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried along the entire front of the house, with three long windows entirely devoid of interest." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has nonsense.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "And you can do nothing until then?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with washing it down with a long draught of water. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Yes.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Well, but China?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Why that?' I asks. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, His smile broadened. "About a month then." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the strength." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, status with the IRS. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Yes." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, your bag." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last crime." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I shall continue with my miserable story. ceremony." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of neither fascinating nor artistic." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Entirely." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "An enemy?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was pound a week." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." writers could invent nothing more crude." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried for and were ordered to this address. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to prisoner's face. "'In my own bureau.'