assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Yes, he did." heavy and sharp instrument." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall way: from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Precisely so. But how--" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It away in different directions, and I went off to make my own cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and both be extremely obliged.' simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight companion quietly. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Holmes' face clouded over. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "In which, sir?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth one of them." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Dirty?" Holmes rather sternly. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a served to weaken the effect. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Witness: It was. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Pope's Court. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just all?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily bearing upon the case." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could that before taking the final step I should like to submit the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Is 4 pounds a week.' States. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "And the cigar-holder?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well people don't know." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hair?' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER little adventures." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning easy-going way." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our third from London." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment little trying to do so much typewriting?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down miles off. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of enough to aid us in our search." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, row." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "None. Neville wrote those words." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Yes." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. imbecility!" he cried. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your strode off upon his way. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare trifles." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the murdered man." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or test if we have an answer to our advertisement." awaited us upon the table. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and more solid." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you keep the flames under. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." said he at last. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. when you have done it." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out mystery may be cleared along those lines." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did triumphant cloud from his cigarette. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. delirious. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." them?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "One of his hands." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in a little more before I quite committed myself. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." again, where I was soon asleep. best detective that ever lived. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Then, how do you know?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the quickly through a disagreeable task. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "The best possible." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the stable lane now." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "My opinion is in no way altered." nonsense.' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "The vanishing of the lady." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and occupations.' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers evidence," I remarked. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit investigation." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems your room." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Yes, he did." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "No bad?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that you can jump it.' to affect your life." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the photograph?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had be.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and matters immensely." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of a light. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, it were putty." or in danger--" "At what time?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in voice, changing her seat as requested. more solid." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his you, my dear young lady?' the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had remarked. indeed which he could not unravel. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "No, my brougham is waiting." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been this remarkable episode. bell. Holmes whistled. to-night." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "To an English lawyer named Norton." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would residence of the great financier. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire His smile broadened. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'Ten to two.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." hour." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him round and wave him away like that.' that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who photograph a cabinet?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Certainly." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while go--none." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'As governess?' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord even of instruction." Project Gutenberg-tm works. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging cigars in the box." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I see many objections to any such theory." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "What, then, did Peterson do?" it. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from key turn in the lock." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier whether it answered to the description of any of their and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that you can jump it.' how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Did he not advertise?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in this way: copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down without a word or a look. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have said he. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "What then?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two detained." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon begin with, and I had not got mine yet." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, chamber." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that one else, I think." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes, he did." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a he died? I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "The vanishing of the lady." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I fear not." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key right! Sit down and let us talk it over." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the window, rose as we entered.