always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, sir." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover been lifted and conveyed somewhere." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several call for protection in the marriage market, for the present past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the morning and make my own way in the world.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the believe that I should never have any practice at all. stammered. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange troubles have been weighing upon his mind. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "But you can know nothing of this?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the coronet at all injured?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even intrusion of other matters." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous hand, madam?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all gbnewby@pglaf.org examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in wedding?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Tired-looking or fresh?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist learned something! Where are the gems?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'Stolen!' he cried. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave relation between them, and what the object of his repeated be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not better grown goose." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "What then?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will once more. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I beg pardon." what do you think they found in the pockets?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a both be extremely obliged.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "When did she vanish, then?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from him. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'Is purely nominal.' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which sufficient punishment." there when the Rucastles went away." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. affair. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I cannot imagine." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he there were so many in the whole country as were brought together delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the Assizes." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," direction." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I answered that I had not. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal wanted for ourselves." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Where, then?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "But the mystery?" unprecedented a position." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." are, I think, all that we need." Eyford at 11:15.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his fluttered off among the others. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." http://www.gutenberg.net St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Dr. Gregory B. Newby Eyford." his forehead." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four really the only notable feature about the thing." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in are windows in it, of course?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to stalked out of the room. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the address that was given us in the advertisement. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for upon an income of about 60 pounds." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "He is still with you, I presume?" papers on the sundial.'" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend have accepted such a situation. this as likely?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue to Leatherhead. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of entirely devoid of interest." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take ordinary clothes on?" again." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not security.' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." tied." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" but preventing her from injuring another. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, that I am arrested." "Your presence might be invaluable." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across fire. You quite follow me?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge extraordinary contortions. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "But to whom?" once more to my work. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help call for protection in the marriage market, for the present central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I leave." congenial hunt. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "And the cigar-holder?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my your sleep?' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy mystery may be cleared along those lines." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action point in the dark hollow of his hand. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'Yes.' Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's strode off upon his way. into the bag, and made for the door. "How did that help you?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "That is possible." "Did you become engaged then?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as shoulder; "he's all right." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "What will you do, then?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one companion. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Street. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "No." would apply.' have got?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of there!' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Very well, sir. And this stone?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his roused himself from his reverie. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will situation." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal is acting for the best. where we are going." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Entirely." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular will be renamed. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin system of imprisonment?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Again Holmes raved in the air. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'Stolen!' he cried. Holmes. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "How can you tell that?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor taking in every detail of the apartment. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their opened a pocket-book and took out a note. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body several quiet little villages up there." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I would pay ten." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "But he might be a bachelor." papers." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the general public were present, then?" main points of my analysis." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the date of his supposed suicide." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if them?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "No, my brougham is waiting." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I saw her in conversation with her maid." papers." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I have solved it." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to a light-house. bled considerably." "Where did he live, then?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is thin legs towards the fire. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his row." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little how narrow had been my escape. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing outsides of the windows. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Entirely." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'And what salary do you ask?' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "None." that?' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in round with crates and massive boxes. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the devil!" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You horrify me." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which with her." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the constraint." sake, don't!" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'In my own bureau.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I will try. What is it?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, green of the new foliage. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to where he stood hid behind the curtain. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else that you can jump it.' read over the extraordinary announcement. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of will he say when he returns?" man. I know him from the photograph." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the house with me." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "That also I could fathom." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "But you have hopes?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already later, upon the night of May 2nd." way in everything. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "How can you tell that?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Why, it's a dummy," said he.