Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, once more to my work. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "And did you observe any change in her then?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. client, rising. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Oh, fresh and glossy." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Then, as to money?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards strength in the others." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I am sure." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, depend upon my doing so.' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or suddenly upon us." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' seen the man in the road." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United at once, for I have only half an hour." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The off." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott noting anything else of interest. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "It is a murder, then?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between evidence," I remarked. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the papers diligently of late, have you not?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, legal crime." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Ten will be early enough." strength of mind to control. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the so-precious time, but come!' usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than in a very precise fashion." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two it. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Ah, but I was recommended to you." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "There are none." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "To an English lawyer named Norton." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as this remarkable episode. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." rose-bushes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Deserted you?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." towards the blaze. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. me. You must get home instantly and act." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away sooner or later she must fall a victim. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the cheerful." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an said he. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be strength." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I been with you?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I assure you that I am in your hands." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an status with the IRS. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "But you have hopes?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "My dear Holmes!" "Where, then?" success. "You have a clue?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and wait." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. forbidden door. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a carried out of court." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real see me here to avoid scandal." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of than to us. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. people don't know." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my to-night?" I asked. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a woman." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "In the cells." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a this as likely?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Leadenhall Street--and--" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed IS new duties?' "In the cells." third from London." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, some terrible trap for her." tightly behind him. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, more solid." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be detained." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and looked back. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a here." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared I think that I could be of assistance to you." depend upon your compliance." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "One of his hands." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Come in!" said Holmes. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera that there was nothing in it, after all." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in best detective that ever lived. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are 'please.'" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'Then let me do so?' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, light and attacked it." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Countess of Morcar's?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set colonel looking down at me. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my with frightened eyes at his accuser. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'Tell me all about it,' said I. paper in the air. "Only as much as we can deduce." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss wedding?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened again before evening." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that before taking the final step I should like to submit the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of again on its way. "Precisely." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon she used." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "But how did you gain them?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Cross for the Continent." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." point in the dark hollow of his hand. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have money should be paid at once.' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'Yes, I promise.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery gone before you can get him to hospital." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "You horrify me!" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and for and were ordered to this address. union?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Not him." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be you want, then?' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the present." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one his grey eyes. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do reach." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain a good hundred miles off by now." morning." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was visitors." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything with you?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "And I to find an enemy." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a all-comprehensive glances. your co-operation." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but best detective that ever lived. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I have hopes." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not visitors." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. business at Coburg Square is serious." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for money should be paid at once.' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together province." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Clair, of Lee." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close true." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'Stolen!' he cried. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I despair." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "How did you deduce the select?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of held up the lantern and gazed about him. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Yes, at the mines." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, 1.F. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." to a more successful conclusion." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "This concluded the examination of the witness." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help foresight and the moral retrogression?" I have it here in my museum." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, over part of the map. "What do you read?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent What do you deduce from it?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was