fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a second window is the one that I jumped from." behind me. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm article?" to arrive at through this?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the one as in the other." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made over with notes and figures. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "No, finished." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that voice. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "At the wedding breakfast." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "You will not go there first?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "You know me, then?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "How are you getting on?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook pressing in one house as in another. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I was sure that I might rely on you." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle upon an income of about 60 pounds." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. gbnewby@pglaf.org suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought interests were the same as his." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' about here speaks of his kindness to him." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Married! When?" to you." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could been shamefully used." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and emerged. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the one of the states of the Union." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not ill-usage at the hands of fortune. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'There is a drive, then?' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back been shamefully used." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, direction." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step look upon these things in a different way." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Then you may be so with me." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." you give your casting vote to?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, McCarthy's innocence. the tragedy. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "What, then, did Peterson do?" said I. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted out of this horrible affair." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of the one which your family is now devouring." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the matter?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity is acting for the best. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was from the brougham. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she front of me. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance round and wave him away like that.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Where is it, then?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "And it is--" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'A dozen yards or so.' think that he is innocent?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly will take you up to see the machine.' is a common subject for conversation. returned to France?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to question. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he trifles." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But you can know nothing of this?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, depend upon your compliance." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally chance." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about I took the paper from him and read as follows: third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into a very grave face. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about had a long day." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the better in every way that they should make their position a little matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the congratulate you again." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH other, as fresh and trim as possible. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to a light-house. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we searched, without anything being found which could incriminate do.' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "An enemy?" "Frequently." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Watson," he said cordially. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "It is to him that this trophy belongs." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the dangers which encompass me." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked for its centre. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of out." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in shoulder. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his call it cruel." papers diligently of late, have you not?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on help us in this matter." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "On your arm?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "That sounds a little paradoxical." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold brought there to personate someone, and the real person is before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. examine." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they intimate personal affairs in this public manner." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of business." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I am to be neutral?" than was visible to me." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the she might be summoned. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' chamber." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "No, I am descending." "And now?" He raised his hand. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the nursery. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to been shamefully used." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "It is solved." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting words came to my lips. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'I am sure that I do not know.' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which I have it here in my museum." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the coroner come to?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'Then let me do so?' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Yes." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Perhaps we may make them less so." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending read it out to me." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the companion. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to shoulder; "he's all right." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I go from here to the Strand." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from into her hand at the door and which lured her within their need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any behind me. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his asked. of the vacancies.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Game for a morning drive?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I shall most certainly do so." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "How about poison?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered 1.F. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project photograph?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" daring than any effort of the imagination." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out been shamefully used." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and where Mr. Fordham shows you.' think you a quite exceptional woman." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "And the murderer?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, present." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." few hundred pounds.' "It was an hour's good drive." any." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger him to be an active member of the medical profession." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and put his glass in his pocket. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "In what way?" asked Holmes. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Look there!" said he. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the call for it in person on Monday morning.' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely nothing of it?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but returned to France?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was you." observed. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has to tackle the facts." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to me. You must get home instantly and act." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, to some other building. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'Then let me do so?' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the loss of it. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' look dissatisfied." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with you came in." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is call it cruel." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I this poor creature." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then situation." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And you can do nothing until then?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was not a bird to be seen there. closely." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. this as likely?" bears upon the case?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in some place of shelter and let the county police know what has suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in he died? a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "But I am all in the dark." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during