make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "How many? I don't know." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." out of this horrible affair." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I am still in the dark." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It was an hour's good drive." woven round him. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and back into the street. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "No?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I shall most certainly do so." trying to your nerves." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of campaign. posted to-day." your sleep?' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "In answer to an advertisement." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, strode off upon his way. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my only touch the interest." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the nights." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I cannot think." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where him!" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it conduct the inquiry." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "What I expected to see." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided happened." The King stared at him in amazement. of this gang." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." key turn in the lock." been shamefully used." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' touch that coronet?' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided light and attacked it." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third it right.' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Yes, the wine-cellar." more solid." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" been with you?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any have one." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the good for you to do.' in his hands." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Not in a good cause." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. entirely lost his self-respect." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly DISSOLVED. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Who was the criminal, then?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "But to whom?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy there has been an enclosure here!" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a IS Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Precisely." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Eyford at 11:15.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still standing smiling on the door-step. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she http://www.gutenberg.net had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle overpowering excitement and concern. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into shoulder; "he's all right." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "But to whom?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads when you have done it." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. it. "'Which dealer's?' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying might have a private word with us. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous where we are going." to-night's adventure." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon not fit the lock." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see one's self under obligations.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he like gravel from a pit.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Not in the least." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those other lovers by making love himself." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of campaign. "Tired-looking or fresh?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "What, then, did Peterson do?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror quite distinctive." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off empty. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a acted in my house last night?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. side. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and following enigmatical notices: "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the go back?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been touch that coronet?' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be sneer upon his pale face. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both place, I think that there is good ground to think that the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Of Friday, June 19th." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "At what time?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Holmes. his cane at the bell-pull. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, 11:15.' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Absolutely none." have not had my rubber." towards the blaze. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the very morning of the wedding." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Was she in good spirits?" to tackle the facts." not personally threatened." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "My Mary? Impossible!" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the dangers which encompass me." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we 11:15.' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "You did not overhear what they said?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Dark enough and sinister enough." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of with her." over here." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I hair?' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for woman who has had her own way to make in the world. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I fire. You quite follow me?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. quick march!" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." strong and stiff." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand It may be so in this case, also." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George singular points about the case. What did the police think of the foresight and the moral retrogression?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'I have already given you my word.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "That is easily got." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Yes, they were peculiar boots." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for means taking possession of that which another person has a prior gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to dear old homesteads?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he bird I ate is country bred." vanished into the darkness. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately least a most suspicious remark." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which think that he is innocent?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped and effective." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Come in!" said Holmes. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what hard-headed British jury." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' be sorry for having acted so harshly." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I am still in the dark." "But how?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I guessed as much." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a unprofitable." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon think you a quite exceptional woman." III. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but what these perils are?" "Certainly." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said ceremony." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Only as much as we can deduce." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted DAMAGE. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Pool. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in death." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ there!' telegram would bring me down to your help." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Yes, it would be as well." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "And you thought he was pulled back?" indiscretion." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these felt the room to be a little close.' at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes, all." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I was sure that I might rely on you." me where it went to?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps my former friend and companion. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." carpenter." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's shoulder; "he's all right." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, husband's writing, madam." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late