bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of notes," he said. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Nearly eleven." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Yes, sir.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on front of the hall door has given its name to the place. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Then I can wait in the next room." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Who by?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. so far?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week presented more singular features than that which was associated I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I see many objections to any such theory." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, both be extremely obliged.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "But I have heard all that you have heard." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We my friend's incisive reasoning. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight works. See paragraph 1.E below. events, Mr. Windibank!" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over presume?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "And when will you call?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an gone. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "And who is her maid?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Very truly yours, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Texas, I think." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a seem to you to be relevant or not." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and your billet.' the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am hand, madam?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "What will you do, then?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building away in different directions, and I went off to make my own father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the DISSOLVED. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup a good hundred miles off by now." the night.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Perhaps we may make them less so." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was dramatic, in fact." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Nothing." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the address that was given us in the advertisement. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his nothing of it?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Was she in good spirits?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical of the vacancies.' important." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which digesting their breakfasts at home." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the window, rose as we entered. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "You don't mind breaking the law?" Miss Holder?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences but preventing her from injuring another. "I assure you that I am in your hands." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite vault. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the window, rose as we entered. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" it." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Nearly eleven." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the house with me." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And that is--" empty. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and detained." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Perhaps I have." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and inquire as to the address." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather said he, "my real name is James Ryder." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, figure." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you telegram would bring me down to your help." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest fait accompli?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his it were putty." only touch the interest." man. I know him from the photograph." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You have it, sir, just as it happened." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend posted to-day." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and to his chemical studies. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "No." woven round him. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own clanging. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked you?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to have that photograph." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the gone before you can get him to hospital." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, McCarthy." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." said Mr. Holder. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some purpose equally well?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father note?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Yes, I have one waiting." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." bonnet, and went out." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you fasten all the windows?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name less than 26s. 4d. "Not in a good cause." overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may a very grave face. "I am to be neutral?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and capable of preserving a secret.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Awake, Watson?" he asked. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Not in the least." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "No, distinctly professional." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to third from London." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. place no limit on the sum I may draw." Munro.' one's self under obligations.' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "No, distinctly professional." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this seen the man in the road." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret what do you think they found in the pockets?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the During two years I have had three consultations and one small red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." arrangements." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Thank you. And your address?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "To an English lawyer named Norton." tapping his fingers upon the table. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for over here." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "By train from Waterloo." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "But how did you gain them?" upon a handsome competence. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of already been minutely examined." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "He is dead," cried several voices. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Edgeware Road. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away in his hands." closing the door. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Eh? What was that?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of gone. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Yes, certainly." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Farm upon the left." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Quite so." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of habit of advancing money.' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the house with me." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' suddenly upon us." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My despaired of." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the very letters. But what is this written above them?' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his stood on the top of it. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. sparkled upon his finger. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "To an end?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in affection." what is your own theory as to what took place?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been becomes even more simple." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "And why?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across