But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House lips." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may in darkness. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. back to my heart. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "He is still with you, I presume?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "But to whom?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "The Cedars?" will he say when he returns?" "What!" he roared. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. in this note: the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "No, thank goodness, she did not." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Mrs. Toller serenely. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ready to-morrow?' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! some place of shelter and let the county police know what has another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact gone. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And that is--" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the bears upon the case?" License. You must require such a user to return or the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he chamber." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away may have an influence upon European history." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the became a certainty. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began ran thus: "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. there." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Very much so." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of was not a bird to be seen there. my secret was safe in his possession. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. to talk it over. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "We were both in the photograph." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an this remarkable episode. the little opening for the ventilator is." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the asked with his eyes open. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in this truth that in these little records of our cases which you up this clue while it is still hot." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. him and tried to hold him back. "But not more so than I to find you." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "No, distinctly professional." "No." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "We must have a cab." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship knowledge of the world." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put to affect your life." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he head. So long, then!" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and matter." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what away to you." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time spark where all is dark to me." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "By train from Waterloo." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, hard-headed British jury." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his this remarkable episode. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Sutherland?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He you for a few hours?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there happened." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." upon an income of about 60 pounds." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the I nodded again. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to drawing your inferences." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in that there was nothing in it, after all." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her to a light-house. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "There is the writing." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It man. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three like gravel from a pit.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, formed some opinion?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our certainly do as you advise." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Why serious?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on papers diligently of late, have you not?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "It is solved." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, then?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "I cannot tell." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Was there a secret marriage?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "On your arm?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I written, and locked the door of the office after me. peculiar to him. You want to know what became of those geese?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Upon what point?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some that I can to serve you." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they helping a boy to put up the shutters. a monotonous occupation." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole little adventures." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" money should be paid at once.' in a very precise fashion." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense your sleep?' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Witness: I must still refuse. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but your most interesting statement." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "That is possible." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was visitors." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "But to whom?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of power." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every triumphant cloud from his cigarette. during which he might have communicated with his friend the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "What then?" villagers almost as much as their master. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And how did you verify them?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, I shall communicate with you." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in him." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. bears upon the case?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the very morning of the wedding." awkward doing business with an alias." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "What!" he roared. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From read over the extraordinary announcement. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. that?' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in remarked. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall door?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of question you as to those details which seem to me to be most correct than the official force." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you in yours." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I see many objections to any such theory." the so-precious time, but come!' The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "How on earth--" know that the truth is known." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we very old mansion. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an lids now and glanced across at his visitor. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and that he would see to anything that turned up. situation." is four-and-twenty." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I shall communicate with you." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a obstinate." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his crackling voice. prison!" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the weighed down with some great anxiety. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began appointment with me for six o'clock?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And leave your case unfinished?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "He slept on the premises." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no man. I know him from the photograph." "Indeed! Whose, then?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It is possible." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and the church but not where the lady lived." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. despaired of." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Nothing." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about giving me time to thank him. them?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My dear Holmes!" compunction about shooting them down." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." unprecedented a position." "So I heard. You have him here?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "None." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any