possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "About a month then." "That you are never beaten." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "He disappeared so suddenly." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was cigars in the box." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Yes, only one." footfalls from the street. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Not in the least." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded papers." tail." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what spare." "How are you getting on?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and over part of the map. "What do you read?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I should like to see him very much." until night should bring an explanation. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not his wife has ceased to love him." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism of them has the shutters up.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in your own bird, so if you wish--" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." one which it was hard to resist. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has derbies." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And now?" He raised his hand. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "When did it break out?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. problems help me to do so." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you spark where all is dark to me." imbecility!" he cried. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Ha! you find it so?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a what I may call a really hard day's work." "How are you getting on?" points to suicide?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic me." "Then how many are there?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such door?" "Look there!" said he. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into window when the police appeared." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was to-night?" I asked. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and feature." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs beyond words. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, memory. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': must compliment you." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he present strange and interesting features that it is no easy public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Who by?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid persecution?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to talk it over. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the stones. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a ago." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the to-night." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all it." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place again." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more strong and stiff." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between in. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all never to learn it at all." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few heavily into it. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Did he not advertise?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it people in all walks of life. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and papers." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in call the police, let the police find what they can.' stalked out of the room. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Entirely." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you are, and they are waiting for us." "And why in hopes?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Get out!" said he. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'You doubt its value?' he asked. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Yes, only one." "She will not sell." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and no precautions can guard against." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "And you don't know his address?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily one else, I think." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in tied." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I see no marks." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Very much so." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning business in the City. She little knew what. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He It was close upon four before the door opened, and a indeed which he could not unravel. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It is very clear." that I can to serve you." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "But how?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a results." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "No legal papers or certificates?" "This photograph!" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "It must be recovered." directors, with the result that you have seen." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the papers on the sundial.'" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Married! When?" to that open window." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may footfalls from the street. photograph?" "'A dozen yards or so.' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away himself. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, certainly do as you advise." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Entirely." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." dates and names. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to-night?' "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to colonel looking down at me. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Never." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, tail." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a galvanised. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with during which he might have communicated with his friend the already been minutely examined." cause to be." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "If so, much may have happened between." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my following enigmatical notices: that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with the outside air!" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I cannot tell." But Holmes shook his head gravely. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. some terrible trap for her." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave returned to France?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here nothing of it?" "But his left-handedness." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be might have a private word with us. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of for securing the situation." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "And how did he make his money?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when national property. I was determined that the law should have its "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fatally injured? companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his felt the room to be a little close.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit mysterious business." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is I think that I could be of assistance to you." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I was sure that I might rely on you." "And why?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It is possible." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." affection." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told of the way of danger. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the side. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Pope's Court, Fleet Street." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar made his money." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I do." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own again, where I was soon asleep. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this newspaper selections." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a