you." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Never to return." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became ill-usage at the hands of fortune. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his my former friend and companion. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But have I gained?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the ago." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another behind me. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical nice household for a young lady." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "In which, sir?" miles off. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are business matters.' part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to who was a member of your goose club." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on ill-usage at the hands of fortune. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Holmes rather sternly. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." developed." is now desirous of getting those letters back." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be whole matter to your consideration." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the learned something! Where are the gems?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest License. You must require such a user to return or Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few had a long day." correct than the official force." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You have but to name it." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." off." you want, then?' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg was used.' The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong are, and they are waiting for us." "How about poison?" might have a private word with us. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there when the Rucastles went away." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying upon an income of about 60 pounds." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Pray continue your narrative." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. your sleep?' "And how in the world did you find them?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the matter?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I think that it is very probable." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "He said too much." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It is possible." cost them two and thirty pounds." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to system of imprisonment?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for see me here to avoid scandal." Miss Holder?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The way in everything. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course think you a quite exceptional woman." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Not yet." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in answer." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "To an English lawyer named Norton." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no you in your example." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A noting anything else of interest. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the straighten it?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to that open window." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I relief. are, I think, all that we need." "ARAT," I read. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg ways of our fellow-men." "I am to be neutral?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "What, then?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you rooms." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. walking." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a business." your equipment. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Gutenberg-tm License. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in fluttered off among the others. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." stood on the top of it. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I think it very unlikely." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "It is half-past ten now." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client that before taking the final step I should like to submit the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is pictures, libraries, or plate. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings lamp in his hand. acquaintance?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to a light-house. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "And sit in the dark?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. name is different." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I cannot imagine." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular crime." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare politicians who had been sent down from the North. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Married! When?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be in one or two places in England?' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." said I. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless very peculiar words of the dying woman?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow a room. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "No?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the coronet in his hand?" for and were ordered to this address. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "What will you do, then?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! again." investigation." been." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That gbnewby@pglaf.org precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building hopeless attempt at recovering them." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by been." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The affair. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, taking in every detail of the apartment. few hundred pounds.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old see me here to avoid scandal." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Holmes. as yours." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of never to learn it at all." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "What, then?" be.' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, business at Coburg Square is serious." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. during which he might have communicated with his friend the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such mystery!" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. quite distinctive." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will suddenly upon us." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes, sir." fasten all the windows?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Street. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger seen the man in the road." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just nice household for a young lady." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "How do you know, then?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Yes?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of manager. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I presume?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "I am about to be married." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "He disappeared so suddenly." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Certainly." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to where he stood hid behind the curtain. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Did your wife hear all this?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'Never,' said I. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a remarked. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really I was concerned in it." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the date of his supposed suicide." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." meant it for the best. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you interests were the same as his." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not obstinate." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. enter into my head. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And Irene Adler?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and looked back. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, giving me time to thank him. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Then I am your man." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Dr. Becher's." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded little adventures." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then this poor creature." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think burst into a hearty fit of laughter. him!"