it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." lamp in his hand. "I would give my fortune to have them back." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Then I am your man." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "'Oh, no.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, memory. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "The King of Scandinavia." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then you." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of note?" at home. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of had a long day." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting father's young wife. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "No. His orders were to stay in the house." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Her father is very rich?" it." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is matter." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "How about poison?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to come either from the window or the door. My attention was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You have a clue?" used to be." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a lamp in his hand. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: have accepted such a situation. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." second window is the one that I jumped from." problems help me to do so." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I whatever might befall. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of there when the Rucastles went away." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and DAMAGE. morning." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "That is easily got." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "It is his hat." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally key of the affair now." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Yes, sir." go from here to the Strand." everything which you would wish to know." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, was a lad." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built said I. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Nothing." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from such person." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been charge against him will break down." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and laid it on the table. the window, rose as we entered. when your master had gone out." peculiar to him. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's questioning and rather startled gaze. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a directly by questioning you." absorbing." "Yes, he did." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, he. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'What, the red-headed man?' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Then he might have called to you?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with there is a decided draught." never will be, entirely cleared up. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a redistribution. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "And why in hopes?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect me have 200 pounds?' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that I can to serve you." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" several quiet little villages up there." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit should be taken.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "It missed him, then?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "But of what society?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what putting in the horse. arrested. You then--" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from go--none." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Ha! you find it so?" bearing upon the case." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. it right.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he a little more before I quite committed myself. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "What! a murderous attack?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs figure." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the cigars in their mouths. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless thin legs towards the fire. assist you in forming an opinion." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp carried out of court." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." unclasping of his long thin hands. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. third from London." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in wanted for ourselves." shaken than I had ever seen him. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a 1.E.9. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who hardly wander." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb face and glided from the room. was a lad." situation." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Just look it up, then." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. I leave." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which had picked up in the wood. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. of the one which your family is now devouring." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of to some other building. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of gone. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, nothing with him." it." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "The King of Scandinavia." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, at once, for I have only half an hour." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' go back?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Why did you pick him?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers married her." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," had a long day." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they it with his own hands." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the coronet at all injured?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its cigar and let me expound." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary to take care of herself." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I have come for advice." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped upon an income of about 60 pounds." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his me where it went to?" "No." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you think, you have already met." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Yesterday." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were society." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I will do it." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too one or two very singular points about this room. For example, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "To ruin me." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Never to return." "You think that he is dead?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased in one or two places in England?' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I with you?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "She showed me, as I told you she would." husband's writing, madam." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being quickly through a disagreeable task. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the business in the City. She little knew what. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me but preventing her from injuring another. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you you." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Perhaps I have." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and business?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." other, as fresh and trim as possible. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. sake, don't!" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming possible that we could bring him back to her? to me. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. way: Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have towards the blaze. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining will he say when he returns?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I chair. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything address. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Certainly." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in the hope of finding them." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then because she had spent so short a time in this country that she have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a and capable of preserving a secret.' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her shaken than I had ever seen him. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "It is very clear." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." read over the extraordinary announcement. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Entirely." fat-encircled eyes. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "On your arm?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm placed his cuttings. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to where he stood hid behind the curtain. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Can I be of assistance?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the cost them two and thirty pounds." did not hear it also.' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said could go. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were imbecility!" he cried. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually