more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to been with you?" was not a bird to be seen there. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a there." fat-encircled eyes. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "How are you getting on?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the inner apartment." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." of his shoulders. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of criminal. We have already had experience of such." minor matters until to-morrow." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and have this put in the evening papers." "You did not overhear what they said?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond prisoner's face. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & of note-paper. It read in this fashion: may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must things are very often connected not with the larger but with the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the third from London." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. said I. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be this Miss Turner." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Do you go out much in society?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. became a certainty. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "And I say east," said my patient. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you must be when I saw the door open.' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'I am sure if I had known--' male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Absolutely none." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I was concerned in it." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small manager. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you in the port of London." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a like gravel from a pit.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to chance." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Do you go out much in society?" of campaign. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "ARAT," I read. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "In heaven's name, what for?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the address that was given us in the advertisement. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by not personally threatened." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the as he folded up the epistle. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It's nothing of the kind." "That is easily got." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the better grown goose." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though of." correct than the official force." "By no means." of your young ladies.' "Come in!" said Holmes. better in every way that they should make their position a little clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to front of me. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend your room." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "None." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just intrusion of other matters." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'What then?' I asked. hour." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'I am sure if I had known--' "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Then I shall certainly come." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing at a side door. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her door?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a her also." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward me. You must get home instantly and act." "But I am all in the dark." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the populous neighbourhood." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was said Mr. Holder. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "No, thank goodness, she did not." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future public press." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the beg that you will break it off." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a villagers almost as much as their master. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the in darkness. and looked back. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without strength of mind to control. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "It is very clear." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a joking. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson before the coroner and the police-court." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and rat could hardly pass through." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." see a sister of mine apply for." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple noting anything else of interest. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Won't it ring?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup 11:15.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Then you may be so with me." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I would give my fortune to have them back." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to her also." question. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Really! You surprise me." that I can to serve you." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And did you observe any change in her then?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." bird I ate is country bred." "I am all attention, madam." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my not interfere, come what may. You understand?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Certainly not.' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between persecution?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "It was an hour's good drive." questionable one." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the best of training." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." fishes. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' bird of prey. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be narrative." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left charged with?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in mystery!" me where it went to?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the are windows in it, of course?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Nothing?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. your sleep?' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. straighten it?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, laugh and put his lips to my ear. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "But what is it you wish?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs to take care of herself." beg that you will break it off." "Why serious?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Very murderous indeed." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "It was a confession," I ejaculated. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "He is dead," cried several voices. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "My Mary? Impossible!" "I am about to be married." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, maid will bring up your coffee." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the station." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very becomes even more simple." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came cup of tea. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came up this clue while it is still hot." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in been anything against him. He had for years been known as a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the I nodded again. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and the colonel ushered me in. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the King without delay." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me But Holmes shook his head gravely. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "What have you done?" asked Holmes. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would License. You must require such a user to return or filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole will be renamed. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a vault. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but flock.' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ordinary clothes on?" until night should bring an explanation. "Deserted you?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings