"He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to must compliment you." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the you do it in twenty minutes!' handed it to him. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the purpose equally well?" the coronet in his hand?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was taking in every detail of the apartment. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Upon what point?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There than to us. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." your sleep?' "No more words. Get out!" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice purpose equally well?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a golden eyeglasses. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my upon a handsome competence. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "This photograph!" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Surrey." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Not in the least." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Pray do so." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes, I have one waiting." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." you do it in twenty minutes!' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." notes," he said. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the loss of it. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the coronet in his hand?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Do you go out much in society?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side take the flies, but not before." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." me. You must get home instantly and act." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hereditary King of Bohemia." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched What do you deduce from it?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who this man was intellectual?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And why?" quick march!" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very nonsense.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his new acquaintance to Baker Street. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to change my dress. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Not in the least." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your page at http://pglaf.org ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes' face clouded over. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that thirty. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could with the outside air!" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in his power. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. room. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'What, the red-headed man?' where we are going." "Here?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "That's no good." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the weary and pale-looking. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Certainly." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "How did he come?" you." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my that King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell felt?" garden below. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But how will you look?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us conduct the inquiry." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' kindly on the shoulder. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, this unhappy family?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there upon the shelf for the interim." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. himself to tell his story. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of his shoulders. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official http://gutenberg.net/license). "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such copied or distributed: Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Not particularly." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a is so. I know all about McCarthy." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately money should be paid at once.' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is himself. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not hair?' Pool. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the be there in time for your coming." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of waste of energy." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I guessed as much." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Why did you pick him?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a to have that photograph." he. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "That is it on the dressing-table." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "That is easily got." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, look dissatisfied." seven miles from Eyford Station.' caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "You have a clue?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I held up the lantern and gazed about him. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have not had my rubber." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the your room." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a writer." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "No, I think that I'll take it." might help us?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is knowledge of the world." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Yes." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and before the coroner and the police-court." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "A confidential servant?" and the church but not where the lady lived." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "To the police?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is are, I think, all that we need." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Count Von Kramm." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "BALLARAT." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions married her." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "What! a murderous attack?" Have you good authority for what you say?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its she has been waylaid. There has been no result." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Upon what point?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive him!" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never highroad, where all traces were lost. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler be. most interesting one." "You have the photograph?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Yes." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Does that suggest anything?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution me, and I could not think that his explanation of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my problems help me to do so." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a opportunities to fix the problem. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a License. You must require such a user to return or "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible you?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "9th. McCauley cleared. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to could not have written that. It is the German who is so What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him who was a member of your goose club." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in to arrive at through this?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are heavy and sharp instrument." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great breakfast?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my arrangements." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Yes." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Then how many are there?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from shaken than I had ever seen him. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you hopeless attempt at recovering them." bare slabs of marble. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "No bad?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Do you know him?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "And how did you find out?" words came to my lips. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I chambers. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "At the wedding breakfast." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "He disappeared so suddenly." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Watson," he said cordially. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one which it was hard to resist. "Where did he live, then?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" gone. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Yes, it was gone.' "Witness: It was. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. acted in my house last night?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute best detective that ever lived. "But what will you do?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of less than 26s. 4d. Surrey." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "What is it, then--a fire?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was