that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Why that?' I asks. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at his cane at the bell-pull. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." that, and I came down." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Your sister is dead, then?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are there were so many in the whole country as were brought together peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two works. See paragraph 1.E below. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." delighted to hear it," he said. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London for and were ordered to this address. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission said he at last. over here." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the events than those which have happened in my own family." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "But not more so than I to find you." "BALLARAT." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two singular points about the case. What did the police think of the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other client, rising. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Project Gutenberg-tm works. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between gone. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "But how did you gain them?" you want, then?' and capable of preserving a secret.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, burst out into a roar of laughter. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage maid will bring up your coffee." manager. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the heavily into it. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I was sure that I might rely on you." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to little trying to do so much typewriting?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Yes, it was twisted." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It upon a handsome competence. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and business came to an end." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange highroad, where all traces were lost. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Yes." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing but preventing her from injuring another. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I am following you closely," I answered. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found intimate personal affairs in this public manner." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black outsides of the windows. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post trying to your nerves." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" me have 200 pounds?' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "In the cells." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "'Yes.' paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "From his hat?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. train.' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." again, where I was soon asleep. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered back alive. side. "In answer to an advertisement." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Certainly." "My dear Holmes!" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. three fields round his house, and there he would take his upon an income of about 60 pounds." discontent upon his features. about. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door but preventing her from injuring another. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "And when will you call?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hour." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With noble correspondent could be. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand matter." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "You have it, sir, just as it happened." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the window, rose as we entered. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time gives a meaning to it." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of them has the shutters up.' again before evening." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense formed some opinion?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has weighed down with some great anxiety. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send beyond words. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began go--none." "'Certainly not.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for not within a twentieth part of the market price." security.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the to his chemical studies. "Is he quiet?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some compunction about shooting them down." past. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I cannot as yet see any connection." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "No more words. Get out!" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And relation between them, and what the object of his repeated been." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "No." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in point in the dark hollow of his hand. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Sholtos." back alive. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, someone who had been in Australia." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." prisoner's face. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. who was a member of your goose club." Serpentine Avenue. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to more solid." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Will you bet, then?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'You cannot say what it was?' The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and plantation.' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Her father is very rich?" some terrible trap for her." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of generous with you in money matters.' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "But how?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Yes, the wine-cellar." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such matter." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as used to be." quite distinctive." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, shaken than I had ever seen him. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I have come for advice." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "You have compromised yourself seriously." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will you in yours." residence of the great financier. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just asked. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the is acting for the best. hair?' right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in this note: were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I cannot imagine." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in character. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Not particularly." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to Leatherhead. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is all?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I saw her in conversation with her maid." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in held up the lantern and gazed about him. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, important." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so do.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the less than 26s. 4d. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I passage and a tap at the door. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You will not go there first?" through." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" directors, with the result that you have seen." your own bird, so if you wish--" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and capable of preserving a secret.' of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the spark where all is dark to me." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'I shall certainly be there.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Nothing." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to until night should bring an explanation. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think meanly of me." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most know all about it," he snarled. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across not fit the lock." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a eavesdroppers?' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Holmes, the busybody!" over part of the map. "What do you read?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "What! a murderous attack?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from