of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from it were putty." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden get the tickets." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round his cane at the bell-pull. plantation.' your sleep?' all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police other means.' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Nothing?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And colour had been driven from his face. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Not in the least." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced second window is the one that I jumped from." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Stoke Moran." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched ventilator." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the bottom.' what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical advice." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'Stolen!' he cried. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to have that photograph." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." before, for it was considerably after midnight. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. appointment with me for six o'clock?" speckled band?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to-night?" I asked. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his go from here to the Strand." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Very good.' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Was your sister dressed?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared asked. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both do.' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my persecution?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and most interesting one." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of your young ladies.' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her outside." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then woman." you, my dear young lady?' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "That is not always so easy." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Texas, I think." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of get her out of the way." "Pray let us have it, for all that." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the me have 200 pounds?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "It is very clear." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "But how?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same overpowering excitement and concern. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I don't say that. Perhaps." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to advice." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more there!' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, hair?' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the pierced for earrings?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the I nodded again. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who your sleep?' his huge brown hands. house for five minutes.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'What would be the hours?' I asked. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Surrey." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "And how in the world did you find them?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right whether it answered to the description of any of their "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "And for present expenses?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the night.' were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of whatever might befall. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "You have the photograph?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "How did you trace it, then?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own asked with his eyes open. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Yes, that is the Crown." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of carpenter." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was shaken than I had ever seen him. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Then how many are there?" I am not easy in my mind about them." appeared upon the scene." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him village inn over there?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. she to prove their authenticity?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down leave you to your papers for a little." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "In San Francisco, a year ago." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. meant." stammered. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it from you?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "The rest you will leave in our hands." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "He is dead," cried several voices. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful before the coroner and the police-court." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Were they all fastened this morning?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one answer." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." furiously. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental address. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. father's young wife. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Nothing?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "What, then?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes, from Horsham." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after could not have written that. It is the German who is so companion imperturbably. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must better in every way that they should make their position a little process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I should wish to." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, digesting their breakfasts at home." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey occurred." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. you in your example." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. conclusions. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the started for the Temple to see my husband. chair. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have accepted such a situation. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught long narrative. "A confidential servant?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was before, for it was considerably after midnight. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And how did he make his money?" about. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Certainly." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your my little problems." one which it was hard to resist. side. "But what will you do?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Have you her photograph?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and I shall be with you presently." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant thirty. undoubtedly my uncle's." "A greater distance to travel." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an I. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No, but the enclosure is." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my in this note: upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the is a common subject for conversation. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "You don't mind breaking the law?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." certainly not very gracious." "'Then let me do so?' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the orange pips. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "This photograph!" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Witness: It was. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the salesman. there when the Rucastles went away." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Street. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Ha! you find it so?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I am armed." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Where did he live, then?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and all of them with the keenest interest. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from DISSOLVED. "An enemy?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." chill to my heart. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Where does the thing come from?' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "You horrify me." "Not particularly." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and laid it on the table. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of answered with a sidelong glance. out." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been hereditary King of Bohemia." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." ordinary clothes on?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled down. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Then what has happened to him?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own