arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Only as much as we can deduce." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I returned to France?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "No." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "But what will you do?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. make me his representative both with the servants and with the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." been deceived." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between could go. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Literary Archive Foundation that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, telegram would bring me down to your help." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "What, then?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the should be so warm over such a trifle." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and looked back. some terrible trap for her." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and fact, we may call it conclusive." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Have you her photograph?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the strength in the others." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "No, but the enclosure is." Mrs. Toller serenely. "My photograph." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and no precautions can guard against." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Quite so." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "What of the rat, then?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a his cane at the bell-pull. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried three of the beryls in it, was missing. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be next day. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "How did he come?" do.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Whose house is it?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' never came back." "'What then?' I asked. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And for present expenses?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Yes, he did." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Foundation "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "That you are never beaten." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Of what day?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Holmes rather sternly. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing which we had just quitted. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Very murderous indeed." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "But his left-handedness." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and that he would see to anything that turned up. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to miss it." invisible to me," I remarked. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, power." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." tension within him. weapon." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Then how many are there?" "Then I can wait in the next room." "At what time?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Quite sure, dad.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "And how did you find out?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I was afraid that you were engaged." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His cigars in their mouths. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "My dear Holmes!" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy answer." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Foundation doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is it were putty." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as I am not easy in my mind about them." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "And I to find an enemy." for and were ordered to this address. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my disturbance in my wife." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Project Gutenberg-tm works. "To ruin me." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I cannot imagine." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the address that was given us in the advertisement. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." you in yours." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has following enigmatical notices: it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have was not a bird to be seen there. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended note?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he could go. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "What!" he roared. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his name is different." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled During two years I have had three consultations and one small piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband is," said he presently: that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most coroner's jury." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the tragedy. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to detective. room had already been engaged for us. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very events, Mr. Windibank!" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may six. Come in!" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'Why that?' I asks. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. sneer upon his pale face. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch subject to the trademark license, especially commercial pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry washing it down with a long draught of water. "A call for help, you thought?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "No, I think that I'll take it." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his noting anything else of interest. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw asked. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, with some details as to your case." think that he is innocent?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Yes, at the mines." business." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "None." "Will you go?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Deserted you?" even of instruction." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the bottom.' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the inner apartment." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic from you?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round asked. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway where we are going." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I beg pardon." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to IS "Really! You surprise me." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Then, how do you know?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my them, and came down just as you departed. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's money should be paid at once.' "By all means." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your secret." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "That is possible." and wait." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Pool. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For sit on the left-hand side of the driver." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Has he come with you to-night?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love sneer upon his pale face. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of purpose equally well?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now tied." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Certainly." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his present." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "What can it mean?" I gasped. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Thank you. And your address?" "I see no marks." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Holmes rather sternly. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "By train from Waterloo." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Where could I find him?' and capable of preserving a secret.' wedding?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off copied or distributed: very morning of my second wedding." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who