seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "And now?" He raised his hand. gone before you can get him to hospital." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Have you good authority for what you say?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings few hundred pounds.' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and asked with his eyes open. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "My opinion is in no way altered." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "And how in the world did you find them?" handed it to him. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Then what has happened to him?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Leadenhall Street--and--" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, our word." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from served to weaken the effect. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He what do you think they found in the pockets?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his indeed happy." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "What, then?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you she slowly sank and died without having recovered her ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a it." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a where she found matters as described by the last witness. a little more before I quite committed myself. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the very morning of my second wedding." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella said he. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "'What would be the hours?' I asked. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Not him." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which wedding?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "That's no good." this man was intellectual?" Sholtos." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade it." would apply.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, digesting their breakfasts at home." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished drove away. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well, but China?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Perhaps we may make them less so." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" made his money." second." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to some other building. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. past. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very whereabouts. relief. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this highroad, where all traces were lost. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself foot. one's self under obligations.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used III. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement down in his armchair and closing his eyes. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a away into the river." train.' in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his way in everything. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the bled considerably." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the whole matter to your consideration." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he could go. soul! here is her carriage at the door." have one." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Witness: It was. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and empty. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Witness: It was. "What I expected to see." Edgeware Road. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we envelope. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there which are rolled in Rotterdam." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "But you can know nothing of this?" "What can you not understand?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "And leave your case unfinished?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of during that time.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself even of instruction." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' row." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the one as in the other." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "How did that help you?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Sholtos." John Swain, of St. Augustine. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it some city in a dream. "'As governess?' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition exactly what you advise." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of before, for it was considerably after midnight. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "It missed him, then?" "I shall be delighted." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently second window is the one that I jumped from." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set come either from the window or the door. My attention was was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made off." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "And Irene Adler?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I cannot tell." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid way: reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to is," said he presently: "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been easy-going way." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence again, where I was soon asleep. official police." "I have a cab outside." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Always." "And I." vault. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Then I do not see the point." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'What, the red-headed man?' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a meant." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "But of what society?" them present such singular features as the strange train of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & burst out into a roar of laughter. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "When did it break out?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my in my life." "I will do it." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "She showed me, as I told you she would." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "No, I had a dozen." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, said I. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Again Holmes raved in the air. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a knowledge of the world." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "They are typewritten," I remarked. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had disappearance of the bride.'" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'And the work?' and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, neither fascinating nor artistic." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very works. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Gutenberg-tm License. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a results." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carpenter." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in this way: "To the police?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "When did she vanish, then?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and acquaintance?" "ARAT," I read. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "How can you tell that?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very little adventures." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded must compliment you." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with money should be paid at once.' drawing your inferences." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some call it cruel." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an as noiselessly as she had come. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were security.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are been." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand to take care of herself." "No." desk. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman to change my dress. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Heh?' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at