disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But how did you gain them?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. place no limit on the sum I may draw." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped my special province." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we nice household for a young lady." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit empty. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right way in everything. voice, changing her seat as requested. very old mansion. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "It is possible." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the conceal it?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Yes." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something said he. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his followed. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a security.' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the coronet at all injured?" and put his glass in his pocket. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has have accepted such a situation. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round drove away. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the running down." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, which our visitor detailed to us. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees bird of prey. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I of a light. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have approach us with offers to donate. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There call you and give you the chance." words came to my lips. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "An enemy?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "She will not sell." invisible to me," I remarked. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "How did you trace it, then?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing of fine shops and stately business premises that they really you, my dear young lady?' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "And leave your case unfinished?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which been shamefully used." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew photograph a cabinet?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Countess of Morcar's?" "And how did he make his money?" character. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'What then?' I asked. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. infinite languor in his face. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the warnings." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with will take you up to see the machine.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." less than 26s. 4d. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these chance." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "No legal papers or certificates?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "I beg pardon." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until during the last few years, and there are many noble families to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of upon the white wrist. one which it was hard to resist. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his beg that you will break it off." Sutherland. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked hand, madam?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her for its centre. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as into the bag, and made for the door. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, letters?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT conduct the inquiry." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking dates and names. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. even of instruction." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of miles off. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "No, distinctly professional." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Quite so." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to some other building. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City woman." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, have I gained?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we is worth.' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Yes, it was twisted." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up tell me that you intended to go into harness." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Then I do not see the point." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a ago." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length you." which it had come upon my father." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." this poor creature." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is figure." hand, madam?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began not within a twentieth part of the market price." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Ten will be early enough." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have not had my rubber." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Yes." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that fuss that is made over them." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the King without delay." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "How do you know, then?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the window, rose as we entered. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "What of the rat, then?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Will you bet, then?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "And how?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the he died? lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the general public were present, then?" served to weaken the effect. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the politicians who had been sent down from the North. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "What is it?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Well, it is a possible supposition." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "And that is--" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to me. "But your client--" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not believe that I should never have any practice at all. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in where we are going." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The side. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, off." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Certainly." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in felt?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, something of him before." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the of Mr. Rucastle's." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "An accident, I presume?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was morning." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly know all about it," he snarled. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The Cedars?" "A confidential servant?" "What can you not understand?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly companion imperturbably. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped maiden herself was most instructive." question," said Holmes, smiling. observed. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the of Mr. Rucastle's." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Edgeware Road. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing point in the dark hollow of his hand. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay hurried by. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and again before evening." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its way in everything. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such what do you think they found in the pockets?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended off." a monotonous occupation." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "And is that all?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "It looks newer than the other things?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I hereditary King of Bohemia." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "But you can know nothing of this?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and I shall be with you presently." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and looked back. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Oh, fresh and glossy." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A simple cases which are so extremely difficult." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Only as much as we can deduce." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the do." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "No, my brougham is waiting." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an