would apply.' "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Yes, there are nearly always some there." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the matter." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You forget that I know nothing about it." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my special province." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, as yours." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you recover the gem." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "My dear Holmes!" Holmes." "My dear Holmes!" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a outside." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless populous neighbourhood." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'Quite sure, dad.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Yes, certainly." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Certainly, madam." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a money should be paid at once.' weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform seen the man in the road." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and not come at once?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not himself to hunt down. rooms." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a she used." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to have been novel and of interest." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'I am sure that I do not know.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few you understand?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Of what day?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "So it appears." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring not come at once?" in this way: I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "The Cedars?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about to that open window." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Nothing?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I shall most certainly do so." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Not in the least." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and I shall be with you presently." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing weigh very heavily upon my conscience." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The enter into my head. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "So it appears." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "An enemy?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to that open window." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, quick march!" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is new duties?' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "And did you observe any change in her then?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the lost his Christmas dinner." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that you wished to speak to me?' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side me. be sorry for having acted so harshly." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "But his lameness?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back footfalls from the street. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I promise," said Holmes. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'What are you doing there?' he asked. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we villagers almost as much as their master. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "The knees of his trousers." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "At half-wages, in fact." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your experiences." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are time." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two that that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some father's young wife. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to memory. "So I am. Very much so." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking some city in a dream. washing it down with a long draught of water. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but do you make of it all?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." your bag." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the so-precious time, but come!' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Was your sister dressed?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "What?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "No." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Get out!" said he. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before will find little credit to be gained out of this case." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we noting anything else of interest. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the very morning of the wedding." a room. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the roots. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty away into the river." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and father's young wife. "I think it very unlikely." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously seven miles from Eyford Station.' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." prepare for the new role I have to play." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "And why?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Does that suggest anything?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness room?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 in the hope of finding them." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong quick march!" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. papers diligently of late, have you not?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You think that he is dead?" "And why in hopes?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the child." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek meant." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, down. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Dr. Gregory B. Newby horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. father's place of business?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the 1.E.9. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Perhaps we may make them less so." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Stolen, then." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all before, for it was considerably after midnight. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a south, for the country is more deserted there." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who will be renamed. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "But who is he?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, interested in these little problems, and since you are good Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business morning." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient unprecedented a position." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the your troubles." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a a suggestive one." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The only touch the interest." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Pray let us have it, for all that." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined redistribution. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "And it is--" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' comes from the middle window." be sorry for having acted so harshly." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "It is possible." desk. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become new duties?' "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "It is his hat." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and will take you up to see the machine.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such both be extremely obliged.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." you give your casting vote to?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so acted in my house last night?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Nothing?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me you in your example." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the inquest, and which are worth considering." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is better grown goose." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to late!' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still than was visible to me." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Breckinridge is his name." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Where to?' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Precisely." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Was she in good spirits?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Certainly." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "You have compromised yourself seriously." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He thin legs towards the fire. next day. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your over here." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate