respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw use an arc-and-compass breastpin." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found copied or distributed: human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual she to prove their authenticity?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which bare slabs of marble. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." like that before?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east over part of the map. "What do you read?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice interested in these little problems, and since you are good until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I dramatic, in fact." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was shining brightly. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes, it was twisted." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Yes." behind me. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "He is dead," cried several voices. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't she might be summoned. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both main points of my analysis." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this name is different." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it dates and names. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so were unconscious?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for something of him before." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of a light. man. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I have solved it." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I would pay ten." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Have you her photograph?" "'What, the red-headed man?' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one address. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I have my revolver," said I. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all believe that I should never have any practice at all. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Because he was handy and would come cheap." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "She showed me, as I told you she would." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Pray continue your narrative." too. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yes, it was twisted." at my remark. the loss of it. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But how will you look?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the very morning of the wedding." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I advice." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "What steps will you take?" I asked. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Heh?' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, face and glided from the room. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'Most admirably.' Have you good authority for what you say?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. You want to know what became of those geese?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no confronted him. business matters.' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he hair?' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes, sir." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. fait accompli?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as your co-operation." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Murdered?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, the wine-cellar." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Not yet." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his answered with a sidelong glance. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic place of silver." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he indeed which he could not unravel. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "That is easily got." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "That's no good." do." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, purpose equally well?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from true." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Mrs. Toller serenely. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Henry Baker is a member." business." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "When did it break out?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the address that was given us in the advertisement. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do your most interesting statement." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "I never have." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, neither fascinating nor artistic." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Dr. Gregory B. Newby came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Get out!" said he. "Why serious?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "A confidential servant?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one infinite languor in his face. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You forget that I know nothing about it." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of his forehead." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, meant." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Munro.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' I held the little printed slip to the light. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was keenly on my guard against him. "Yes. He waved his hands." hour?' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of client, rising. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age public press." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what presented which may be striking and bizarre without being my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the best of training." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that stalked out of the room. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt persecution?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had was already answered. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an bachelor.' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of your room." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made my special province." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to and the church but not where the lady lived." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. as noiselessly as she had come. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much that there was nothing in it, after all." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "And what did you learn from him?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder be best to do. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid forebodings. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Then I do not see the point." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back approach us with offers to donate. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Clair, of Lee." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "A client, then?" "Dirty?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first girl said." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by presented which may be striking and bizarre without being pound a week." "Your French gold?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Where does the thing come from?' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are breakfast?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental God! What an exposure! What can I do?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. everything which you would wish to know." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of it with the greatest attention. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole that?' some water from a caraffe. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a amused." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely she might be summoned. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a call it cruel." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. roused himself from his reverie. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Oh, yes, easily." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, secret." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which arrangements." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that The summons was a brief and urgent one. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I than to us. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as horse could go." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "But she will refuse." congenial hunt. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated through." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson of your young ladies.' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. speckled band?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did as he remarks, very much against the son." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a made his money." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the best of training." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which me have 200 pounds?' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Not particularly." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I will do it." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police indeed happy." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness