official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "And for present expenses?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my been deceived." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose to-night?' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Come in!" said he. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had very morning of my second wedding." imbecility!" he cried. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Here?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Here?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." even of instruction." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Where did he live, then?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "But you can know nothing of this?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and glanced through. "Could he throw no light?" away into the river." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And how?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "What then?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Where is it, then?" "It is no ordinary one." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" IS against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "I will try. What is it?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'A dozen yards or so.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our out of this horrible affair." place of silver." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich other means.' bears upon the case?" used to be." "Her father is very rich?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Serpentine Avenue. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" horse could go." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, this remarkable episode. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and looked back. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived locked." new acquaintance to Baker Street. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Young McCarthy must be got off, however." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Who by?" this remarkable episode. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "But she could not love him." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And I." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. most interesting one." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I guessed as much." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first matter over." during that time.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by subject to the trademark license, especially commercial should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond enter into my head. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A strange features which were associated with the two crimes which tapping his fingers upon the table. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to fact, we may call it conclusive." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "A greater distance to travel." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside been with you?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings American. Then who could this American be, and why should he was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately never came back." one of them." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it side. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "How did that help you?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "It is half-past ten now." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already to tackle the facts." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Edgeware Road. pictures, libraries, or plate. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I have my revolver," said I. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too you?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small what do you think they found in the pockets?" someone who had been in Australia." for its centre. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" daring than any effort of the imagination." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester note?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You have but to name it." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and look upon these things in a different way." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his society." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Yes, they were peculiar boots." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the followed. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I cheerful." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It must be recovered." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "No more words. Get out!" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Can I be of assistance?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest standing smiling on the door-step. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to we went to search for him, face downward in a little "In answer to an advertisement." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the correct than the official force." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not crime. "But of what society?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with *** START: FULL LICENSE *** that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the window, rose as we entered. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "In answer to an advertisement." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of tapping his fingers upon the table. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." written. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to allusion to a rat. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And how did he make his money?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his But Holmes shook his head gravely. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I will not look." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be My friend smiled. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your note?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug must compliment you." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "It is solved." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your other lovers by making love himself." "Pray do so." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have bachelor.' dear old homesteads?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. fled together." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "What! a murderous attack?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into exactly what you advise." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "When did it break out?" "My opinion is in no way altered." "But how did you gain them?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove down. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Holmes' face clouded over. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose drove away. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his go from here to the Strand." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power ordinary clothes on?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "What! a murderous attack?" enter into my head. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there passage and a tap at the door. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Yes, he did." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Nearly eleven." "Then, how do you know?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "She told me to ask you." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to with some details as to your case." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "The gentleman I describe." "Then I can wait in the next room." "I am following you closely," I answered. "'I am sure if I had known--' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Have you it here?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled morning." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and the church but not where the lady lived." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in once more to my work. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you you." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting matter." "That sounds a little paradoxical." closely." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of