beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up presume?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and glanced through. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, way in everything. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when know what is wrong with it.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to-night?" I asked. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That is it on the dressing-table." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon head. So long, then!" "By train from Waterloo." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I more solid." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is their singular warning or token before them when starting upon gentleman's clothes. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept asked. indeed which he could not unravel. never to learn it at all." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no touch that coronet?' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the morning." in his hands." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek habit of advancing money.' said Mr. Holder. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the flock.' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 1.F. your co-operation." was already answered. His smile broadened. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found desk. was already answered. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." learned something! Where are the gems?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But you were on a friendly footing?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his husband's writing, madam." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, skylight. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "That also I could fathom." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was upon the white wrist. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I an introduction to him?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble is," said he presently: when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "ARAT," I read. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. narrative." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Your French gold?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I that he has suffered." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive gbnewby@pglaf.org and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the John Swain, of St. Augustine. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair bled considerably." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, strength in the others." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to surprise her." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "What have you done?" asked Holmes. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take o'clock is it?" "How can you tell that?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "So it appears." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am room?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure row." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I cannot imagine." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in tension within him. them present such singular features as the strange train of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Is he quiet?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so absorbing." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary may never be exposed to such a temptation." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between you." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Never." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have horse could go." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Did he not advertise?" has little to do with my story." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite James Windibank. Voilà tout!" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which hair?' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Yes." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as hour?' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "To the police?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a if only as a check to my own memory." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." were new raised from a basin. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall him!" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "What do you mean?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working remarked. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an sneer upon his pale face. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Project Gutenberg-tm works. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. tear off another piece?' "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a beg that you will break it off." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, young Openshaw's." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies shall not find me ungrateful." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on characteristics, but those are the more obvious." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "And what did you learn from him?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my details." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." correct than the official force." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a fasten all the windows?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" to-night?' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and no precautions can guard against." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my had this final quarrel? brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the memory. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Street. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a tapping his fingers upon the table. himself to tell his story. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'I have already given you my word.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And leave your case unfinished?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being there was no need for father to know." "How did that help you?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised stalked out of the room. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "It came here." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe know that the truth is known." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very his huge brown hands. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I correct than the official force." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits London for the present?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a good hundred miles off by now." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I shall most certainly do so." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." and the whole place is in a blaze." strode off upon his way. joking. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood miles off. before the coroner and the police-court." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "So I heard. You have him here?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in before the coroner and the police-court." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer and that he would see to anything that turned up. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled I nodded again. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he nonsense.' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Won't it ring?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "One of his hands." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'About the same.' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. indeed happy." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the constraint." remarked. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp as he folded up the epistle. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." burst out into a roar of laughter. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their get the tickets." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to maid will bring up your coffee." "It must be recovered." galvanised. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Which surely he restored to their owner?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a main points of my analysis." "He is still with you, I presume?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not foresight and the moral retrogression?" mystery." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that narrative." keep the flames under. it right.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it leave you to your papers for a little." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a with her." is so. I know all about McCarthy." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "No, distinctly professional." little adventures." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you."