disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Her father is very rich?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in new duties?' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at true." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "In the cells." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'Very good.' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'Yes, it was gone.' A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I burst out into a roar of laughter. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "He said too much." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had her also." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he congenial hunt. the general public were present, then?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "But she could not love him." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., your only hope of safety." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, British peeress.'" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and fasten all the windows?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and the colonel ushered me in. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." indeed happy." "I am armed." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside carriage. It was a chestnut." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "It's nothing of the kind." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Well, but China?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I fatally injured? laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Is he quiet?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are through." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder ashen face. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his hands. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in wife's character?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I say that I have solved it." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew promised to bring home. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have in him." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "We have tried and failed." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed before the coroner and the police-court." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but fear." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was is," said he presently: there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "But how will you look?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for chance at all." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid look dissatisfied." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was not interfere, come what may. You understand?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying families. Now for the facts. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign burst out into a roar of laughter. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the situation." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be secret." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can matter." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous a suggestive one." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Ten will be early enough." had this final quarrel? that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, I held the little printed slip to the light. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my narrative." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get confronted him. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in might help us?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "And for present expenses?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Is he quiet?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. man. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left of them has the shutters up.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote there in twenty minutes." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Your French gold?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Yes, it would be as well." "Was he the only applicant?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I approached. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as like that before?" Surrey." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the eat it." "I would give my fortune to have them back." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Where, then, is my wife?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. whatever might befall. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Yes, certainly." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Why that?' I asks. dramatic, in fact." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Eyford at 11:15.' here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a despair." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you standing smiling on the door-step. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that straighten it?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "And that is--" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Did he not advertise?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in digesting their breakfasts at home." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'You cannot say what it was?' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. said I. fishes. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. annoyance, but no jest. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "And did you observe any change in her then?" light and attacked it." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has a very grave face. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we away into the river." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' when your master had gone out." think you a quite exceptional woman." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Yes. He waved his hands." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the bottom.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up III. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." second." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "The knees of his trousers." do.' of campaign. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had but preventing her from injuring another. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he already referred to. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion did not hear it also.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I don't believe it." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their key of the affair now." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed congratulate you again." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "He might." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most married her." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Certainly not. But why?' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas call the police, let the police find what they can.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Yes." something of him before." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "And who is her maid?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of chair. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up now. It seems that there had been some informality about their enough to aid us in our search." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" there in twenty minutes." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "But what will you do?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I cannot tell." foot. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I don't say that. Perhaps." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a little adventures." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed ordinary clothes on?" "I shall most certainly do so." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "And you can do nothing until then?" think that any burglar could have done. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I do." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my even so self-evident a thing as that." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." quickly through a disagreeable task. floor. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "And from a noble client?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be so.' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Was he the only applicant?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And now?" He raised his hand. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion.