was not a bird to be seen there. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the driver. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in that there was nothing in it, after all." "Yes, it was twisted." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To been deceived." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Yes, the wine-cellar." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "A confidential servant?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I beg pardon." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Stoke Moran." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the there when the Rucastles went away." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, comes from the middle window." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite key of the affair now." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "What do you make of that, Watson?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little even of instruction." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated if I call to-morrow?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught so.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. wanted for ourselves." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'Yes.' first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever wedding?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "By no means." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the roots. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "He might." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Well, some hundreds of times." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and British peeress.'" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten absorbing." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and all of them with the keenest interest. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put asked. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only furiously. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "My stepfather's business papers." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." excitement. "Your sister is dead, then?" "And how did you verify them?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I voice, changing her seat as requested. "He slept on the premises." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making him. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, next day. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle lost nothing by them." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency married her." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. could not have written that. It is the German who is so away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" on in his house." amused." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an gigantic client. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "No legal papers or certificates?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "But she will refuse." awaited us upon the table. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new chambers. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "On your arm?" next day. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Could he throw no light?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" companion imperturbably. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Yes, I have one waiting." flock.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The key turn in the lock." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "None." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of campaign. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "No." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "It is no ordinary one." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Mary, has deserted me." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what noise which awoke you from your sleep?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the coronet in his hand?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious absolutely follow my advice in every respect." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I approached. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was held up the lantern and gazed about him. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed at home. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon considering the formidable letters which were received by himself who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Doctor, of the paper and the date." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a details." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to despair." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure populous neighbourhood." if I call to-morrow?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these over here." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Pray continue your narrative." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge and wait." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every instituted." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "And how in the world did you find them?" the very morning of the wedding." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "It is solved." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the with some details as to your case." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon I nodded to show that I had heard. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Stoke Moran." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. such person." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Absolutely none." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen I took the paper from him and read as follows: people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or happened." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after himself to tell his story. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'Yes, sir.' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Your French gold?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the constraint." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the bachelor.' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Well?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." paper in the air. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. go back?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand searched, without anything being found which could incriminate money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Witness: I must still refuse. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls figure." been deceived." noting anything else of interest. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "He is still with you, I presume?" next day. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely particular state visit http://pglaf.org sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the are, I think, all that we need." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both shag which I had seen upon the previous night. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "How did that help you?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I am not easy in my mind about them." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "I will, Miss Turner." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. would apply.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "An enemy?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "What will you do, then?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than present." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It's nothing of the kind." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you them?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of what do you think they found in the pockets?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to had died away into the silence from which it rose. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and villagers almost as much as their master. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "It looks newer than the other things?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge said he, "my real name is James Ryder." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and glanced through. "I say it is." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "He said too much." fluttered off among the others. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Come in!" said Holmes. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, The King stared at him in amazement. such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in case-book, which he consulted. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting noble correspondent could be. status with the IRS. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down said he. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk what I may call a really hard day's work." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you as he remarks, very much against the son." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. outside. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were fat-encircled eyes. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up that, and I came down." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his our word." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, not personally threatened." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned which I could not give. He asked for Alice. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very never will be, entirely cleared up. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "But how?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just more terrible than the truth. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ceremony." "I came to find a friend." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "On your arm?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "That sounds a little paradoxical." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite in darkness. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Chief Executive and Director question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with yourselves in at night?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give if she died from some sudden fright." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the these bleak autumnal evenings." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." mysterious business."