to-night?' "Was your sister dressed?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "In San Francisco, a year ago." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "That you are never beaten." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was there when the Rucastles went away." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'How far from the body?' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, comes from the middle window." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of his fortune, and I went back to pa. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "But you were on a friendly footing?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office noting anything else of interest. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have handed it to him. "The vanishing of the lady." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the dates and names. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Never to return." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers was it brought him the coronet? about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I present." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I waste of energy." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Married! When?" made him keep the appointment." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, cup of tea. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of manager. "And how did you find out?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are views." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'I shall certainly be there.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away business came to an end." against a man in the prime of life?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those dead, shall be safe with us." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." hurried by. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Certainly." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram any." visitors." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in the port of London." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I see no marks." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the is worth.' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in was not a bird to be seen there. "And for present expenses?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it passage and a tap at the door. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go than to us. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I answered that I had not. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would your room." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged chill to my heart. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I strange features which were associated with the two crimes which There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I was afraid that you were engaged." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "No." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that you saw all that I did." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in unkempt, staring out at me. "'As governess?' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "That was it, sir." "Will you bet, then?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life which it had come upon my father." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "On your arm?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When daring than any effort of the imagination." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not invisible to me," I remarked. memory. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "What do you mean?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Where, indeed?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has said Mr. Holder. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so shaken than I had ever seen him. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Precisely so. But how--" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "And why?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "My Mary? Impossible!" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Holmes. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. confronted him. possible that we could bring him back to her? Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "One of the highest in England." writers could invent nothing more crude." "I have solved it." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a speckled band?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the you want, then?' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty highroad, where all traces were lost. "Eh? What was that?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and what these perils are?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the showing my impatience. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Yes?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "That is also quite modern," said the lady. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a where we are going." brain must have something in it." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he becomes even more simple." For additional contact information: given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which that you can jump it.' "Bought." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey never came back." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down seem to you to be relevant or not." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and inquire as to the address." you." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." few hundred pounds.' attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "No, I think that I'll take it." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of his shoulders. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I cannot tell." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet October 9, 1890. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" never came back." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Perhaps we may make them less so." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have burst into a hearty fit of laughter. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. walking." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any lamp. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to colonel looking down at me. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to a more successful conclusion." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Yes, there are nearly always some there." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it to have that photograph." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all other means.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb way: "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the happened." criminal. We have already had experience of such." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself into the room. 'please.'" more terrible than the truth. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to him. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'Oh, no.' down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Yes, the wine-cellar." that you saw all that I did." him and tried to hold him back. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged pressing in one house as in another. of Mr. Rucastle's." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Stoke Moran." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Holmes, the busybody!" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, pierced for earrings?" gives a meaning to it." "It was an hour's good drive." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the cigar and let me expound." may never be exposed to such a temptation." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her useful material for showing traces. The double line a little doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty he. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My floor. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and it need not interfere very much with one's other age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." upon the white wrist. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Yes, but only for you and me." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Dr. Gregory B. Newby wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and been with you?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little foot. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Where could I find him?' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic ready to-morrow?' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning into her hand at the door and which lured her within their jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to-morrow." chair. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "How did that help you?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her call for it in person on Monday morning.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring views." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." may never be exposed to such a temptation." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the was a perfect sample of the class. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the matter?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Thank you. Pray proceed." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "How did you deduce the select?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and started for the Temple to see my husband. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon