morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face face and glided from the room. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I have hopes." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked within hail.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense help us in this matter." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. go--none." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis where she found matters as described by the last witness. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? could go. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Imitated." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that very peculiar words of the dying woman?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the bottom.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George cigars in their mouths. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich returning from some small jollification and was making his way there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'I shall certainly be there.' "What?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had States. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of comes from the middle window." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the business at Coburg Square is serious." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that was shining brightly. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "What will you do, then?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by hands. "Was he the only applicant?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating down. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I all?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "My Mary? Impossible!" beg that you will break it off." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Arthur Conan Doyle With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well mystery may be cleared along those lines." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "If I can be of use." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "'What would be the hours?' I asked. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "His face fell immediately. take the flies, but not before." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle or in danger--" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several waste of energy." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could way in." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Her father is very rich?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Of what day?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. placed his cuttings. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "What shall I do?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from would then never go into court at all." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper this as likely?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Dr. Gregory B. Newby For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "None." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few absorbing." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in darkness. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day that?' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise conduct the inquiry." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." will not take me long to tell. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a which it had come upon my father." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that may have an influence upon European history." him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. more terrible than the truth. "'Ten to two.' respectable self." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "My dear Holmes!" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Where did you address your letters, then?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, new acquaintance to Baker Street. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece standing smiling on the door-step. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Where does the thing come from?' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the that you saw all that I did." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over generous with you in money matters.' "Not I." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my deduce something from that?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I think that I had better go, Holmes." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest hard-headed British jury." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in affection." "And your mother is alive?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the coroner come to?" look dissatisfied." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the events than those which have happened in my own family." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. in the dead of the night?' sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret posted to-day." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his is worth.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not or in danger--" "Nothing?" "I say that I have solved it." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, second." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the best of training." do." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being locked. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "You have but to name it." spark where all is dark to me." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You think that he is dead?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Why, what do you mean?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money would apply.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and http://gutenberg.net/license). think, you have already met." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "And now?" I asked. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "My dear Holmes!" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Gutenberg-tm License. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind over with notes and figures. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the inner apartment." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to arrive at through this?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been said he at last. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Eh? What was that?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Yes, from Horsham." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I don't believe it." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I nonsense.' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I promise," said Holmes. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Yes." any little problem which you may submit to me." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong meanly of me." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner started for the Temple to see my husband. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty on re-entering her father's house?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Ample.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and passage and a tap at the door. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and the church but not where the lady lived." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to surprise her." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "But his lameness?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' of your young ladies.' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and ago." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where whatever might befall. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Ten will be early enough." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in undoubtedly my uncle's." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now believe that I should never have any practice at all. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes, only one." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Breckinridge is his name." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make have not had my rubber." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King and the whole place is in a blaze." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." good-night and bustled off upon her way. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else legal crime." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with bed dies. Does not that strike you?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "That you are never beaten." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "You have compromised yourself seriously." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "At the wedding breakfast." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle that threaten you." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney his huge brown hands. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "And how?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "This photograph!" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss will take you up to see the machine.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." furiously. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Did your wife hear all this?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon considering the formidable letters which were received by himself