didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote death." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he appeared upon the scene." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I am about to be married." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "But what will you do?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down closely." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too hour." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as because she had spent so short a time in this country that she were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "My Mary? Impossible!" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, overpowering excitement and concern. will be renamed. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't one of the states of the Union." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause residence of the great financier. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which depend upon your compliance." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." both be extremely obliged.' his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It lamp. in one or two places in England?' wall." "Where to?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I cannot tell." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, murdered man." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Sutherland. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I don't say that. Perhaps." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "It was." hard-headed British jury." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'A dozen yards or so.' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you wedding?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser made him keep the appointment." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent occupations.' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be from the brougham. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Upon what point?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my some city in a dream. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Pray let us have it, for all that." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too out." him. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my introspective fashion. "That was it, sir." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the his huge brown hands. investigation." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Will you go?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'What, the red-headed man?' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon soul! here is her carriage at the door." tell me that you intended to go into harness." in the dead of the night?' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had from you?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been even of instruction." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the inquest, and which are worth considering." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her eavesdroppers?' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great might help us?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He I approached. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." narrative." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of he died? handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is I am not easy in my mind about them." conceal it?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "None. Neville wrote those words." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business mystery." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian rose-bushes. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "And that is--" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties think you a quite exceptional woman." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' you in your example." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at a little more before I quite committed myself. "'What do you call purely nominal?' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to success. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained neither fascinating nor artistic." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never three of the beryls in it, was missing. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a despair." galvanised. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Sutherland. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges stalked out of the room. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to here." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be article?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the loss of it. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United jewels which you have stolen?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her records." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was humiliation." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." towards the blaze. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was not a bird to be seen there. see me here to avoid scandal." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Won't it ring?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Do you know him?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the this remarkable episode. "None." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the standing smiling on the door-step. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business of a light. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if and shall probably return to London by the evening train." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and standing smiling on the door-step. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which lips." crime. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the coronet in his hand?" himself to tell his story. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "In answer to an advertisement." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the your Highness to the police-station?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "The knees of his trousers." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a call the police, let the police find what they can.' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And look dissatisfied." the coroner come to?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Then I shall certainly come." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "He is dead," cried several voices. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "9th. McCauley cleared. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. maiden herself was most instructive." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Tired-looking or fresh?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to stalked out of the room. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "So I am. Very much so." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His You can understand that this register and diary may implicate these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I cannot imagine." "The Cedars?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my do.' "It is a murder, then?" kindly on the shoulder. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Is 4 pounds a week.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan morning." "How many? I don't know." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would evidence," I remarked. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing then?" could go. "Only as much as we can deduce." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." it. that he will be back before evening." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "There are none." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'I am sure if I had known--' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I do.' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Sutherland?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very like that before?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all once more to my work. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he weary and pale-looking. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I should be immensely obliged to you." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I will try. What is it?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his at home. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, strength." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the both be extremely obliged.' "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Yes, from Horsham." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came three of the beryls in it, was missing. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" matter." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught October 9, 1890. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his think, you have already met." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of charge against him will break down." bonnet, and went out." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Henry Baker is a member." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass is worth.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I when you have done it." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "And on what day did he meet his death?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a