tell me that you intended to go into harness." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "A client, then?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "But what harm can there be in that?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I papers must be those that are destroyed.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. unprecedented a position." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "What are they?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly arrangements." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing forehead. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was despair." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about residence of the great financier. house for five minutes.' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before you." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "That also I could fathom." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "And how did you find out?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to approach us with offers to donate. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Holmes." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine where we are going." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Certainly." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I shall most certainly do so." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found awaited us upon the table. side. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." husband's writing, madam." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." had a long day." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my must be when I saw the door open.' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And how?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I will not look." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the answer." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "But I am all in the dark." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was lame." delighted to hear it," he said. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a in him." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; directors have had misgivings upon the subject." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. His name is Francis Prosper." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I retorted upon me, and I on you." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." points to suicide?" "I have my revolver," said I. one else, I think." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the King without delay." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found your only hope of safety." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar one which it was hard to resist. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique into the room. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "On your arm?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his is," said he presently: "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you upon the white wrist. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "None." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Then you may be so with me." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Clair, of Lee." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Perfectly so." might have a private word with us. "But to whom?" "And the cigar-holder?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately you came in." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the coronet at all injured?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Not in a good cause." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his forehead." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" cheerful." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the so-precious time, but come!' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" bill, which interests me deeply." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable there when the Rucastles went away." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "At what time?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "The landlord of the Alpha." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I cannot imagine." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Your French gold?" charged with?" key turn in the lock." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Yes." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I think it very unlikely." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I little adventures." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't a suggestive one." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "And how have you succeeded?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's your most interesting statement." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round touch that coronet?' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "That is it on the dressing-table." "And how did you verify them?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and His smile broadened. as he folded up the epistle. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are second window is the one that I jumped from." unprecedented a position." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the tied." with you?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" some city in a dream. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "But how?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "This photograph!" "Yes, sir." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough towards the blaze. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Yes." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the awaited us upon the table. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Thank you. And your address?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, see me here to avoid scandal." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a becomes even more simple." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as village inn over there?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm newspaper selections." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too in his hands." Holmes rather sternly. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The think that he is innocent?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But she will refuse." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. which are rolled in Rotterdam." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I warn you that they are very incomplete." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." skylight. the Assizes." "And who is her maid?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch unclasping of his long thin hands. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Then you may be so with me." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Miss Holder?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "In heaven's name, what for?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Yes, all." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been strange features which were associated with the two crimes which we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger hour?' started for the Temple to see my husband. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "That sounds a little paradoxical." "None." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I think that it is very probable." "Yes." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I say that I have solved it." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had gone before you can get him to hospital." have one." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at flock.' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "And why?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had case-book, which he consulted. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You fatally injured? streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up happened." "So I have heard." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'What are you doing there?' he asked. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and breakfast?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, of." his cane at the bell-pull. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the tragedy. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to