which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is newspaper selections." companion imperturbably. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'There is a drive, then?' "I am to be neutral?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign one of them." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. of Fenchurch Street." questioning and rather startled gaze. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "And the murderer?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Look there!" said he. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my overpowering excitement and concern. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Yes, certainly." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from characteristics, but those are the more obvious." ashen face. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in weighed down with some great anxiety. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see You want to know what became of those geese?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and you do it in twenty minutes!' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "But I have heard all that you have heard." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "You will not go there first?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really gone before you can get him to hospital." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen careless servant girl?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as remarked. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I chair. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Gutenberg-tm License. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one respectable self." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or The King stared at him in amazement. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a young Openshaw's." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "This photograph!" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Mary, has deserted me." "This photograph!" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening business matters.' even of instruction." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "My photograph." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Foundation strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master London for the present?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I cannot as yet see any connection." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted knowledge of the world." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" his grey eyes. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Where does the thing come from?' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I despaired of." IS subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger future lives." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a tied." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "How did you deduce the select?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been side. "And Irene Adler?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen him to go away.' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should security.' and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when results." the inquest, and which are worth considering." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Well, but China?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read six. Come in!" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from carriage. It was a chestnut." "I fear not." as the one I chose?' "He said too much." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'And the work?' "'Why that?' I asks. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, crackling voice. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yes." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he be.' "Your sister is dead, then?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had bedroom door." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Which are?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about late." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'I have already given you my word.' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Was there a secret marriage?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "10th. John Swain cleared. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" deduce something from that?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress for and were ordered to this address. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I beg pardon." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Who by?" 1.F. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert ran thus: "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from bird of prey. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "By no means." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and them, and came down just as you departed. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case unprofitable." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'Never.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "And the murderer?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? straightened it out again. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to-morrow." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, crime. up this clue while it is still hot." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the her also." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the warnings." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point most interesting one." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "None." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain investigation." depend upon my doing so.' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "It's nothing of the kind." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, whether it answered to the description of any of their and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "You don't mind breaking the law?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men characteristics, but those are the more obvious." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Yes, from Horsham." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "It is solved." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "The gentleman I describe." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body certainly do as you advise." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the I think that I could be of assistance to you." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in skylight. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to ventilator." "You saw the ventilator, too?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "By train from Waterloo." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, at home. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and I shall continue with my miserable story. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Very murderous indeed." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "And how in the world did you find them?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my experiences." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sufficient punishment." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of prepare for the new role I have to play." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll next day. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Yes." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang suspect him." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Texas, I think." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert take the flies, but not before." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the business." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning now. It seems that there had been some informality about their arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Absolutely none." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "On your arm?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind he died? provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "So it appears." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" himself in a perplexing position. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen frequently gained my first real insight into the character of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he to-night?" I asked. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, here." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." cigar and let me expound." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of