face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though triumphant cloud from his cigarette. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her matter." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing 'please.'" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that returned to France?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Seven!" I answered. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "To an English lawyer named Norton." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "She walked into the breakfast-room." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the Red-headed League." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I of a light. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and answer." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not nonsense.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him eavesdroppers?' your Highness to the police-station?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "The King of Scandinavia." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a weary and pale-looking. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the What do you deduce from it?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Quite so." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." back to my heart. or other trace. But how on earth--" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Very. But will he see it?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his beyond words. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I she to prove their authenticity?" "It missed him, then?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "You have carte blanche." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Yes." a room. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "You have the photograph?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have really the only notable feature about the thing." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of nonsense.' "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were British peeress.'" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong galvanised. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Where, then, is my wife?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I appointment with me for six o'clock?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "The Cedars?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'In my own bureau.' stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to happened." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim because she had spent so short a time in this country that she arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. deduce something from that?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'I shall certainly be there.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the iron safe, which he closed upon it. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the stones. crackling voice. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Precisely." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "And your father? Did you tell him?" fat-encircled eyes. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "That is it on the dressing-table." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the such person." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the what these perils are?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "What will you do, then?" "'And the work?' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the directors, with the result that you have seen." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments had picked up in the wood. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Precisely." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Certainly." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while some city in a dream. it." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and that he would see to anything that turned up. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was once confined in the cab my mission was practically was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Leave Paddington by the 11:15." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that unclasping of his long thin hands. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Your sister is dead, then?" fact, we may call it conclusive." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King question," said Holmes, smiling. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down round and wave him away like that.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. even of instruction." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "It is his hat." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. sound at heart." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project bird I ate is country bred." floor. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Witness: Nothing definite. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "And how have you succeeded?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" manager. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "10th. John Swain cleared. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. My friend smiled. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical fuss that is made over them." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely only touch the interest." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, really the only notable feature about the thing." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush You can understand that this register and diary may implicate it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the been shamefully used." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Not I." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, chance." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an fatally injured? "What will you say?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you tell them apart.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the into the room. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little like gravel from a pit.' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the pictures, libraries, or plate. fatally injured? himself to tell his story. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The had a long day." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the people don't know." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few business at Coburg Square is serious." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in. friend's singular character. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue politicians who had been sent down from the North. "None. Neville wrote those words." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the o'clock is it?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Was he the only applicant?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "No, but the enclosure is." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter green of the new foliage. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than sofa. This way, please!" matter over." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" question. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "And now?" He raised his hand. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yes." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "What! Had he lost his wife?" unkempt, staring out at me. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front to miss it." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She it with his own hands." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, empty. and inquire as to the address." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Because he was handy and would come cheap." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Then, how do you know?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "No." future lives." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Count Von Kramm." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I see many objections to any such theory." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "But what will you do?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for evidence," I remarked. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Very murderous indeed." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before impression behind it as though a window had gently closed his huge brown hands. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon key turn in the lock." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Where did he live, then?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across you for a few hours?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy little adventures." "If I can be of use." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' indeed which he could not unravel. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had and I shall be with you presently." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Nothing." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Why did you beat the pavement?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Your presence might be invaluable." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the bottom.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two he died? as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" people in all walks of life. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "No, I think that I'll take it." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Always." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn prove to be little relation between the different incidents of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. himself. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." neither fascinating nor artistic."