from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey death." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches green of the new foliage. to that open window." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "What of the rat, then?" more terrible than the truth. "Upon what point?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "By no means." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to relief. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have was feeling which was the fattest.' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new at home. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is threw himself down with his face to the pillow. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit might help us?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid that he will be back before evening." that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. that I may have something better before very many minutes are cause to be." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the salesman. families. Now for the facts. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones to-night." bill, which interests me deeply." it." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my better grown goose." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled him!" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable unprecedented a position." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, grasp, he hurried from the room. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I have seen the police." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind whatever might befall. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a as noiselessly as she had come. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." formed some opinion?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I was mad--insane." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Game for a morning drive?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "It is possible." experiences." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and him!" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." were wasted." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am emerged. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Well, some hundreds of times." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "And when will you call?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'Yes, sir.' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over is so. I know all about McCarthy." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I warn you that they are very incomplete." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek been able to understand it, in a very few words. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "How many? I don't know." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it sentimental considerations in the background which would induce our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about friend's singular character. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "You forget that I know nothing about it." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "No more words. Get out!" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I cannot imagine." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" been shamefully used." would then never go into court at all." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "It is possible." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "But the mystery?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet bill, which interests me deeply." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was my friend's incisive reasoning. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." these bleak autumnal evenings." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I promise," said Holmes. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, an introduction to him?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His roused himself from his reverie. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at notes," he said. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, wall." danger is over." seen the man in the road." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've the running down." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Mary, has deserted me." observed. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom could not account in any way for the presence of the missing window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few go--none." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." was lame." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and inquire as to the address." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I cannot think." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment vague figure huddled up in the darkness. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "He is still with you, I presume?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'Where could I find him?' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "He slept on the premises." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to But Holmes shook his head gravely. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Yes." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Why serious?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "You horrify me." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "In answer to an advertisement." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit fluttered off among the others. within hail.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, occurred." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking of his shoulders. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the do.' Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which intrusion of other matters." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Entirely." "I came to find a friend." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes happened." at home. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "BALLARAT." of Fenchurch Street." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "My last client of the sort was a king." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the way in everything. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day window when the police appeared." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the 1.E.9. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of him to go away.' an introduction to him?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Ah!" used to be." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Farm upon the left." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the coronet at all injured?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business tear off another piece?' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in answered with a sidelong glance. "Yesterday." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Ah, but I was recommended to you." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" skylight. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, laugh and put his lips to my ear. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Gutenberg-tm License. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she particular state visit http://pglaf.org unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was used.' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Why serious?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that she to prove their authenticity?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the warnings." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have cause to be." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the coronet in his hands?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Come in!" said he. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could persecution?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and your relations to her." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She McCarthy." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "You have but to name it." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Then he might have called to you?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning sake, don't!" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I see no marks." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, about here speaks of his kindness to him." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, few hundred pounds.' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had beyond words. fear." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up."