to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "10th. John Swain cleared. "But what is it you wish?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Yes. He waved his hands." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Just look it up, then." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more some terrible trap for her." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But your co-operation." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was know all about it," he snarled. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'Never.' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "And Miss Sutherland?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'And what salary do you ask?' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the have an American origin." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "By train from Waterloo." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were became a certainty. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'Certainly not. But why?' have not had my rubber." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "And help." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I be there in time for your coming." your billet.' only touch the interest." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "There are none." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It's nothing of the kind." as he folded up the epistle. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the that you can jump it.' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Get out!" said he. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down if only as a check to my own memory." dear old homesteads?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to-night?" I asked. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Entirely." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an residence of the great financier. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added may never be exposed to such a temptation." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture nothing with him." lumber-room." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "The vanishing of the lady." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have new duties?' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his cause to be." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the warnings." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "It is to him that this trophy belongs." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with key turn in the lock." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors think that any burglar could have done. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged which should have the effect of calling the attention of the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, started for the Temple to see my husband. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And why in hopes?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. weapon." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would chambers. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Sutherland. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." as he remarks, very much against the son." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry felt?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It missed him, then?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Stoke Moran." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be good-night and bustled off upon her way. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to charge against him will break down." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Leadenhall Street--and--" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had some city in a dream. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of way: "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Yes?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in bearing upon the case." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice suddenly upon us." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from him nearly every evening." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my careless servant girl?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon certainly not very gracious." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord his grey eyes. approach us with offers to donate. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "A confidential servant?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper which it had come upon my father." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had may have an influence upon European history." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Not I." have not had my rubber." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut at a side door. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I have hopes." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost seem to you to be relevant or not." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'Stolen!' he cried. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, morning." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution I shall communicate with you." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no least a fellow-countryman. spare." Leadenhall Street--and--" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "At what time?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." hair?' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, with you alone." "BALLARAT." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that constraint." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, gives a meaning to it." must compliment you." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the loss of it. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would served to weaken the effect. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the help us in this matter." case before our client came into the room." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "In answer to an advertisement." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "When did she vanish, then?" if she died from some sudden fright." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I weighed down with some great anxiety. that I can to serve you." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps row." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." his huge brown hands. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from heavy and sharp instrument." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Yes, certainly." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the without a word or a look. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. you in yours." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have States. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent interests were the same as his." me have 200 pounds?' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin fact, we may call it conclusive." just called myself is not exactly my own." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," once more to my work. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Pray do so." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these grasp, he hurried from the room. Sutherland?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and laid it on the table. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "When did she vanish, then?" Holmes' thin, eager face. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Munro.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most like gravel from a pit.' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the your bag." British peeress.'" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "So I heard. You have him here?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which,