hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Cross for the Continent." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." papers." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the locked." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "An accident, I presume?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the house with me." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in fire. You quite follow me?" giving me time to thank him. upon the sideboard." ready to-morrow?' all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an persecution?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Most admirably.' Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. heavily into it. guilty one." do you make of it all?" him to go away.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I should be immensely obliged to you." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to foot. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, at once, for I have only half an hour." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." be sorry for having acted so harshly." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up gentleman's clothes. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "No bad?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so been anything against him. He had for years been known as a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he with frightened eyes at his accuser. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to thirty. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to arrive at through this?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under said I. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "My opinion is in no way altered." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after shag which I had seen upon the previous night. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Young McCarthy must be got off, however." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Have you her photograph?" jewels which you have stolen?' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Nothing." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could business." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to wanted for ourselves." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "But to whom?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a retorted upon me, and I on you." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have burst into a hearty fit of laughter. wedding?" see me here to avoid scandal." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a least a fellow-countryman. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a nothing with him." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had her also." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time bare slabs of marble. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the room while you explain this matter?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from You want to know what became of those geese?" cost them two and thirty pounds." locked. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Dirty?" exactly what you advise." "Absolutely?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the night.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing strong reason behind." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must felt?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as place of silver." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." placed his cuttings. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "This concluded the examination of the witness." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Here?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a not within a twentieth part of the market price." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the companion. "Nothing?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "And on what day did he meet his death?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and fashion which was peculiar to him. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the chance at all." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would appeal." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "We have tried and failed." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "He is dead," cried several voices. tightly behind him. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I overpowering excitement and concern. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It chill to my heart. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Then you may entirely rely on me." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can success. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger helping a boy to put up the shutters. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I am sure." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." his forehead." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot green of the new foliage. union?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her through." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, companion quietly. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love once more for Briony Lodge. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, late!' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Who was the criminal, then?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing disappearance of the bride.'" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as fatally injured? "No sign of it?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." to affect your life." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you eavesdroppers?' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in have had none more fantastic than this." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. redistribution. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "It surprised me." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out I leave." the loss of it. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." never came back." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he a good hundred miles off by now." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Yes." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Yes, from Horsham." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the felt?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Stolen." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after done what I asked you, Jones?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than their singular warning or token before them when starting upon through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Pray let us have it, for all that." new duties?' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly details should find their way into the papers. Inspector one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "9th. McCauley cleared. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set such attractions and accomplishments?' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. shall use the carriage to-night." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I success. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must opened a pocket-book and took out a note. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "What! Had he lost his wife?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old overpowering excitement and concern. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We tail." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client that the gas is not laid on in his house?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I in his hands." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been until night should bring an explanation. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is with frightened eyes at his accuser. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. any." grasp, he hurried from the room. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "When did she vanish, then?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and pictures, libraries, or plate. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let unprecedented a position." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble you." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I answered that I had not. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and what do you think they found in the pockets?" when you have done it." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If better grown goose." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "My own seal." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have with the outside air!" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback of his shoulders. "Not him." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "By all means." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door closely." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and call you and give you the chance." you, my dear young lady?' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite You want to know what became of those geese?" attention." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Your sister is dead, then?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been chance at all." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Murdered?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at bonnet, and went out." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent lids now and glanced across at his visitor. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Not social, then?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours awkward doing business with an alias." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." long narrative. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, could go. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "And Irene Adler?" crime. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You have but to name it." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Witness: It was. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said confronted him. your co-operation." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "And you don't know his address?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get all that?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What do you mean?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my province." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Thank you. And your address?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a awaited us upon the table. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" carried out of court." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect certainly do as you advise." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." flock.' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "You have compromised yourself seriously." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Arthur Conan Doyle "And when will you call?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "What can you not understand?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?"