"Stolen." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City disturbance in my wife." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside bare slabs of marble. whether it answered to the description of any of their "And sit in the dark?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the address that was given us in the advertisement. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg recall any case within my experience which looked at the first might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had families. Now for the facts. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I never to learn it at all." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers disturbance in my wife." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And what did you learn from him?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than look upon these things in a different way." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." back to my heart. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." in him." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you him. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? over with notes and figures. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "He is still with you, I presume?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Did you become engaged then?" Street. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the Red-headed League." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is brain must have something in it." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Married! When?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while he died? travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Never to return." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his records." taking in every detail of the apartment. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon visitors." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a you, my dear young lady?' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and enough to aid us in our search." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the as yours." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." off." sufficient punishment." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her there was no need for father to know." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "No. His orders were to stay in the house." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I have solved it." think that any burglar could have done. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." man. "Then how many are there?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight down. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a you for a few hours?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "How did he come?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I call for it in person on Monday morning.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "How did that help you?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I October 9, 1890. lost his Christmas dinner." "I should wish to." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I am still in the dark." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly answered with a sidelong glance. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the little adventures." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed strong reason behind." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that I am arrested." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" in the hope of finding them." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in them, and came down just as you departed. DAMAGE. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "But it has twice been burgled." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room her also." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the child." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "But he might be a bachelor." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had visitors." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Never." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled The police have openly confessed that they can at present make examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I leave." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, sir." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "The doctor?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining must be when I saw the door open.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "That's no good." some water from a caraffe. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and the colonel ushered me in. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have weary and pale-looking. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. go from here to the Strand." to tackle the facts." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly several quiet little villages up there." to that open window." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as neither fascinating nor artistic." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Ten will be early enough." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous envelope. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a you understand?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Which dealer's?' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis you found me to-night--and running through the front room she I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we shag which I had seen upon the previous night. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "What is it, then--a fire?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with pierced for earrings?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'It is locked up,' I answered. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Why serious?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "That you are never beaten." was a loud and authoritative tap. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "He disappeared so suddenly." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, charged with?" "Won't it ring?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the best of training." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his during that time.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I suspect him." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I warn you that they are very incomplete." carpenter." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Serpentine Avenue. which we had just quitted. will be renamed. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "My dear Holmes!" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had problems help me to do so." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You don't mind breaking the law?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of families. Now for the facts. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a behind me. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Proceed, then." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I never have." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "But he might be a bachelor." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and telegram would bring me down to your help." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, been able to understand it, in a very few words. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." instincts rose up against that laugh. pierced for earrings?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have works. See paragraph 1.E below. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Of Friday, June 19th." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "My dear Holmes!" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was to arrive at through this?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." in a friendly supper." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one manager. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Well, but China?" tear off another piece?' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Yes, it was twisted." to you." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Stolen." and put his glass in his pocket.