the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I don't believe it." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Entirely." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other questionable one." nonsense.' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door happened." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Perfectly so." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or meanly of me." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'What then?' I asked. "Who was the criminal, then?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a were unconscious?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the coronet at all injured?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at ashen face. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the one as in the other." "How did he come?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort mystery!" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to tell me that you intended to go into harness." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some that I can to serve you." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'What are you doing there?' he asked. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the window, rose as we entered. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I will get her to show me." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors singular points about the case. What did the police think of the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater that he will be back before evening." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, used to be." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." begun to whiten, even as mine has." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A was feeling which was the fattest.' delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful something of him before." you, my dear young lady?' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and never came back." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and himself to hunt down. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and key turn in the lock." the coronet in his hand?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that very old mansion. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "The best possible." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock one of the states of the Union." events than those which have happened in my own family." You want to know what became of those geese?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting fish-monger and a tide-waiter." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the delighted to hear it," he said. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were there in twenty minutes." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "The landlord of the Alpha." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, at my own good fortune. to you." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend here and I will read it to you: photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously coroner's jury." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter see me here to avoid scandal." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her a monotonous occupation." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying unprofitable." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "On your arm?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I fear not." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you do it in twenty minutes!' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It must be recovered." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong matter over." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Absolutely none." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the coronet in his hand?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a written. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up been." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I shall most certainly do so." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think would apply.' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Leadenhall Street--and--" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. cup of tea. problems help me to do so." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. sneer upon his pale face. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would not as remarkable as your advertisement." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers matter." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "You horrify me." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'Entirely.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the warnings." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "And how did you verify them?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in brandy and water within his reach. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" like that before?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Well, some hundreds of times." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I don't say that. Perhaps." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "When did she vanish, then?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a goes." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "What is it?" "I think it very unlikely." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Stolen." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to families. Now for the facts. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not you." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Munro.' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly six. Come in!" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "But she will refuse." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Nearly eleven." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding in his hands." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, down. "If I can be of use." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting crowd. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another meant it for the best. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, as he remarks, very much against the son." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the be. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. had a long day." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three knowledge of the world." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in seen the man in the road." Gutenberg-tm License. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the interests were the same as his." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "How on earth--" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "But your client--" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "But you can know nothing of this?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." once more. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I am still in the dark." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was bird I ate is country bred." "Yes, but only for you and me." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "'Yes.' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Game for a morning drive?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Who was the criminal, then?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I brandy and water within his reach. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Pray continue your narrative." then?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "What do you mean?" "And what then?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Indeed! Whose, then?" fasten all the windows?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "They are typewritten," I remarked. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the we went to search for him, face downward in a little assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "That is not always so easy." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I have it here in my museum." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him."