weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the coronet at all injured?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was will take you up to see the machine.' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "The landlord of the Alpha." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged lost nothing by them." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that call it cruel." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed in. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "It is a murder, then?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that?' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the matter." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some were unconscious?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were correct than the official force." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "In what way?" asked Holmes. we went to search for him, face downward in a little main points of my analysis." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "And what did you learn from him?" his eyes and forehead. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Then you may entirely rely on me." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I have seen the police." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting three of the beryls in it, was missing. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "It was an hour's good drive." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is client, rising. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine indeed happy." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about with her." "'Oh, no.' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies learned something! Where are the gems?" or other trace. But how on earth--" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing heavy and sharp instrument." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and know what is wrong with it.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may chance." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought second window is the one that I jumped from." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Very murderous indeed." third from London." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I have a cab outside." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone his wife has ceased to love him." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the unkempt, staring out at me. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, and wait." to change my dress. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "He is dead," cried several voices. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "No." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Yes, certainly." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit of this gang." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Chief Executive and Director adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the your co-operation." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Where does the thing come from?' you, my dear young lady?' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Ample." "You are hungry," I remarked. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Perhaps I have." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey kind enough to tell me what I should do." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in will he say when he returns?" "Never." open." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker suggested at once that there must be a communication between the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was bird of prey. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. awaited us upon the table. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will which it had come upon my father." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical fishes. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which main points of my analysis." comes from the middle window." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw observed. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the very letters. But what is this written above them?' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the towards the blaze. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat father's young wife. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours said Mr. Holder. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the stones. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "He is still with you, I presume?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "No, my brougham is waiting." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any hair?' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Do you receive much company?" he asked. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It is no ordinary one." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that wall." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an entirely lost his self-respect." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose overpowering excitement and concern. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Then I do not see the point." your most interesting statement." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, held up the lantern and gazed about him. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, bachelor.' said I. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "What can you not understand?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Not him." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms someone who had been in Australia." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the back into the street. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I cannot tell." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Munro.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Then he might have called to you?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she instituted." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do three fields round his house, and there he would take his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in the dead of the night?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and bears upon the case?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years ordinary clothes on?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "It is his hat." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. residence of the great financier. desk. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I cannot say that I have." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of bare slabs of marble. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the had formerly been in part my own. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley it. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his few hundred pounds.' ceremony." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now call it cruel." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "If I can be of use." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. back to my heart. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "And you don't know his address?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But what is it you wish?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of him!" off." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across fasten all the windows?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the eavesdroppers?' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn problems help me to do so." later, upon the night of May 2nd." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the coronet in his hands?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "And from a noble client?" in a friendly supper." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "No, finished." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "What then?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to colonel looking down at me. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Why did you pick him?" writer." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering brandy and water within his reach. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "No." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I away to you." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now nothing with him." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and should be taken.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'And the work?' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I as he remarks, very much against the son." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. DAMAGE. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and done what I asked you, Jones?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Frequently." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been gone. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. neither fascinating nor artistic." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and of Fenchurch Street." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been stood on the top of it. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Street. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the running down." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was is now desirous of getting those letters back." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the conceal it?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the loss of it. tied." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the child." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "But how will you look?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "I was sure that I might rely on you." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "And did you observe any change in her then?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'I am sure that I do not know.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one that?' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone never came back." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not open." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel upon a handsome competence. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "You think so, too?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours."