"Awake, Watson?" he asked. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an invisible to me," I remarked. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "No, my brougham is waiting." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the official police." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until one's self under obligations.' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "How can you tell that?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." my secret was safe in his possession. Mrs. Toller serenely. exactly what you advise." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him mysterious end." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough in the port of London." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the chill to my heart. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the matter." entirely lost his self-respect." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great which we had just quitted. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the so-precious time, but come!' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need You want to know what became of those geese?" lost nothing by them." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I visitors." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Not yet." comes from the middle window." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' instincts rose up against that laugh. "I have come for advice." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof derbies." someone who had been in Australia." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass populous neighbourhood." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I am in hopes that she does." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, started for the Temple to see my husband. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'Ample.' "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "No, I think that I'll take it." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It is solved." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he during that time.' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, it right.' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible wedding?" "Certainly." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" beg that you will break it off." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall been with you?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "An enemy?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have all-comprehensive glances. "Where to?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "The best possible." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a from you?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "You think so, too?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I was sure that I might rely on you." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, case-book, which he consulted. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Nothing." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony mysterious business." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I The King stared at him in amazement. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal my special province." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the London for the present?" indeed which he could not unravel. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "And how did you verify them?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "What then?" depend upon your compliance." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I mystery." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously bears upon the case?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard fait accompli?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'No, I know no one in these parts.' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can daring than any effort of the imagination." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the breakfast." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged be sorry for having acted so harshly." compunction about shooting them down." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Then, as to money?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" note?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." results." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity me, and I could not think that his explanation of the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His writing, and yet I know it well." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two instituted." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for see me here to avoid scandal." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one advice." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident enough to aid us in our search." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty other means.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was recall any case within my experience which looked at the first which are rolled in Rotterdam." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic o'clock is it?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And what then?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to tackle the facts." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she from the brougham. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the matters immensely." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the station." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my conclusions. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late him nearly every evening." our word." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "How did he come?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across hopeless attempt at recovering them." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most persecution?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal hardly wander." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the second." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "How do you know, then?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the inner apartment." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned your own bird, so if you wish--" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Eh? What was that?" fait accompli?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "There are none." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner that he will be back before evening." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for green of the new foliage. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, direction." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "None. Neville wrote those words." together. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "What are they?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may father's young wife. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a is a common subject for conversation. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for foresight and the moral retrogression?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly This is what he says: "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. it means?" crime." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Does that suggest anything?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "And the murderer?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her your only hope of safety." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have not had my rubber." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "What have you done?" asked Holmes. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "You are all wrong." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been bore every mark of being an average commonplace British outside. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I should wish to." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Count Von Kramm." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was until night should bring an explanation. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Where did he live, then?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the King without delay." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Oh, yes, easily." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the bled considerably." "Married! When?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "And why?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my pound a week." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look occurred." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew key turn in the lock." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with tightly behind him. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'I have already given you my word.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. row." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof chill to my heart. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the danger is over." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the is," said he presently: quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Then I am your man." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you coat-tails." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.'