week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "On your arm?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "And when will you call?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Never to return." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he made him keep the appointment." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" have I gained?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "You are certainly joking, Holmes." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would my friend's incisive reasoning. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I like that before?" "Have you her photograph?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I warn you that they are very incomplete." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way she slowly sank and died without having recovered her be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And the cigar-holder?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to introspective fashion. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Then, how do you know?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it chance at all." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Stoke Moran?" said he. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the date of his supposed suicide." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she than to us. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: married her." villagers almost as much as their master. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "What! Had he lost his wife?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to power." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. you?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need from the brougham. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "That you are never beaten." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I cannot tell." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to talk it over. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "No." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. brain must have something in it." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. than was visible to me." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes, it was twisted." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. my little problems." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is heavily into it. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I have seen the police." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to away into the river." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I am sure." them present such singular features as the strange train of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "The gentleman I describe." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Ample." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Yes, sir.' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'A dozen yards or so.' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "But not more so than I to find you." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between other, as fresh and trim as possible. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination writer." third from London." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I am following you closely," I answered. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for business?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "The vanishing of the lady." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "When did she vanish, then?" ourselves in the office." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "At the wedding breakfast." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This breakfast." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose of his shoulders. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have is four-and-twenty." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the walking." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "She showed me, as I told you she would." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a here." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the read it out to me." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness himself. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found that I can to serve you." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'Never,' said I. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It looks newer than the other things?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." south, for the country is more deserted there." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow weighed down with some great anxiety. province." Count Von Kramm." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Yes, they were peculiar boots." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Very. But will he see it?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Breckinridge is his name." "'Very good.' his huge brown hands. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen had died away into the silence from which it rose. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has room. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all before the coroner and the police-court." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less notes," he said. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Certainly, madam." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, already referred to. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house papers on the sundial.'" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you depend upon my doing so.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and wall." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one should be taken.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "You horrify me!" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor to affect your life." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. clang of the bell. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Never." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Pray do so." chance at all." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the Assizes." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "How long did she speak to this Alice?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists retorted upon me, and I on you." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for straighten it?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the http://gutenberg.net/license). Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant introspective fashion. mystery!" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Holmes." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Miss Holder?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the ceiling. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your placed his cuttings. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "You have but to name it." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and capable of preserving a secret.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to have that photograph." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side bird I ate is country bred." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I head. So long, then!" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Did you become engaged then?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net