story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Dr. Gregory B. Newby him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. me. bachelor.' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business lips." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. directly by questioning you." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. straighten it?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical good-night and bustled off upon her way. galvanised. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with not interfere, come what may. You understand?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Then he might have called to you?" and inquire as to the address." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you for a few hours?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you you want, then?' and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up I am not easy in my mind about them." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' laugh and put his lips to my ear. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for back into the street. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Not social, then?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "But of what society?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Ample." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Deserted you?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in read over the extraordinary announcement. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Sutherland?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Bought." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were in him." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here prepare for the new role I have to play." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Yes." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely such attractions and accomplishments?' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "On Monday." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a window when the police appeared." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by any little problem which you may submit to me." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. with frightened eyes at his accuser. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a think you a quite exceptional woman." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." coat-tails." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, mystery may be cleared along those lines." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with my secret was safe in his possession. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "You saw the ventilator, too?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. enter into my head. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon it were putty." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. in darkness. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to overpowering excitement and concern. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" The King stared at him in amazement. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "What can you not understand?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I have seen the police." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has never came back." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I round and wave him away like that.' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before in this way: "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the row." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I know where it is." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way are, I think, all that we need." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our since then to throw any light upon what became of him." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are developed." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a fishes. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "And on what day did he meet his death?" are, I think, all that we need." "What of the rat, then?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Well, some hundreds of times." "You have the photograph?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it as he remarks, very much against the son." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to depend upon your compliance." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening someone who had been in Australia." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned suggested at once that there must be a communication between the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and I shall be with you presently." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. colour had been driven from his face. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Dr. Becher's." of your young ladies.' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the room while you explain this matter?" prepare for the new role I have to play." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head seem to you to be relevant or not." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "A call for help, you thought?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the developed." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. himself in a perplexing position. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's his fortune, and I went back to pa. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether putting in the horse. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "My photograph." look upon these things in a different way." "At what time?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "No bad?" For additional contact information: When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It is true that I have been generally successful." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'You cannot say what it was?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will nothing of it?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Indeed! Whose, then?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely villagers almost as much as their master. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I house for five minutes.' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King upon a handsome competence. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about arms and began to sob in a high treble key. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Imitated." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you all that?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "But what will you do?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "And leave your case unfinished?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Pray be precise as to details," said he. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of less than 26s. 4d. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his cup of tea. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of them has the shutters up.' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "That is it on the dressing-table." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the matter?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him mysterious business." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his at my own good fortune. "I have hopes." "No legal papers or certificates?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'I am sure if I had known--' one else, I think." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "What, then?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very a suggestive one." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "How often?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "You will not go there first?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "When did she vanish, then?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the stones. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "But what harm can there be in that?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed written, and locked the door of the office after me. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Very good.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." relief. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the standing smiling on the door-step. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Yes, it was twisted." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Well, some hundreds of times." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "What then?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my once more to my work. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I call it cruel." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Oh, the cause is excellent!" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I assure you that I am in your hands." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Deserted you?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Gutenberg-tm License. hands. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "That is possible." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "You have carte blanche." the Assizes." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as lost his Christmas dinner." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "He is still with you, I presume?"