prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after that you saw all that I did." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I shall most certainly do so." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have father's place of business?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "The knees of his trousers." occurred." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to miss it." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'A dozen yards or so.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the coronet at all injured?" "That was it, sir." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' fuss that is made over them." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Gutenberg-tm License. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Will you go?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the running down." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where unprofitable." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and think, you have already met." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Will you bet, then?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Then I am your man." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for it right.' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up what is your own theory as to what took place?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass of campaign. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Very murderous indeed." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the iron safe, which he closed upon it. to arrive at through this?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." you." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few possible that we could bring him back to her? him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'Yes.' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "The rest you will leave in our hands." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "This concluded the examination of the witness." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a she used." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I would pay ten." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to The summons was a brief and urgent one. evidence," I remarked. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "A client, then?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were tail." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well in the port of London." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it I have it here in my museum." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I don't believe it." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Where does the thing come from?' away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And on what day did he meet his death?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so said he. advice." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner becomes even more simple." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "But your client--" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of one of the states of the Union." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and him. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Holmes' thin, eager face. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the to tell." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. that I can to serve you." "Come in!" said Holmes. "'Oh, no.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of Fenchurch Street." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I cannot imagine." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed upon the sideboard." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, hurried by. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I assure you that I am in your hands." been deceived." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "You forget that I know nothing about it." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "And how did he make his money?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, maiden herself was most instructive." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little answered with a sidelong glance. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Your presence might be invaluable." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "We were both in the photograph." chance at all." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "The landlord of the Alpha." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only jewels which you have stolen?' pierced for earrings?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the nights." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was handed it to him. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. seven miles from Eyford Station.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of to change my dress. showing my impatience. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "If so, much may have happened between." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps events than those which have happened in my own family." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'Where to?' "Tired-looking or fresh?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Where did you address your letters, then?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really me upon any point which I do not make clear." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Quite so." "It's nothing of the kind." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "How many? I don't know." them?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove forbidden door. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have unprofitable." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, outbreak?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little me where it went to?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in weapon." again before evening." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an not fit the lock." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the said he. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by maid will bring up your coffee." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "So it appears." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Pray do so." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third allusion to a rat. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It is possible." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "What, then, did Peterson do?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "No, my brougham is waiting." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "That is easily got." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Was he the only applicant?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Mrs. Toller serenely. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "That is easily got." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with your bag." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates thin legs towards the fire. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the so-precious time, but come!' to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was His name is Francis Prosper." secret." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. are windows in it, of course?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have dead, shall be safe with us." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to his huge brown hands. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be round and wave him away like that.' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "A client, then?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution whether it answered to the description of any of their It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and what I may call a really hard day's work." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be with frightened eyes at his accuser. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Very murderous indeed." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. footfalls from the street. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" one of them." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the roots. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My fire. You quite follow me?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project McCarthy's innocence. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and files of the old papers, following the future career of every what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that cost them two and thirty pounds." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some companion. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. fact, we may call it conclusive." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and strong reason behind." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad coroner's jury." interests were the same as his." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you such person." "Certainly." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'I am sure if I had known--' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Not him." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." events than those which have happened in my own family." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and has little to do with my story." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Where does the thing come from?' I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And from a noble client?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest