ordinary clothes on?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite emerged. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction forecastle of an emigrant ship. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." fuss that is made over them." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Clair, of Lee." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, will he say when he returns?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of reach." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his detained." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I will try. What is it?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I should like to see him very much." until night should bring an explanation. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger becomes even more simple." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Is he quiet?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then look upon these things in a different way." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a awaited us upon the table. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered did not hear it also.' was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a over part of the map. "What do you read?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much triumphant cloud from his cigarette. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a less than 26s. 4d. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "And I say east," said my patient. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "What is it?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' time." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I chance." been shamefully used." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no it." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue fat-encircled eyes. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the station." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. photograph?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it in a very precise fashion." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Yes." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to chamber." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me populous neighbourhood." hands. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I October 9, 1890. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Nothing?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the was not a bird to be seen there. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a it." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and child?' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." papers must be those that are destroyed.' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Street. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who bird I ate is country bred." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was guilty parties." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and that he would see to anything that turned up. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first if she died from some sudden fright." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I My friend smiled. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social you?" "'Where could I find him?' Countess of Morcar's?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, see a sister of mine apply for." "By train from Waterloo." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "But how will you look?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "It looks newer than the other things?" legal crime." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under said he. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its a monotonous occupation." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is point our research must commence, and we will begin it by insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. II. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but row." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square present." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the date of his supposed suicide." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your nothing of it?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources against a man in the prime of life?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would observed. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that God! What an exposure! What can I do?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length enter Dr. Roylott's room." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had door?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. paper in the air. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an green of the new foliage. a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though photograph?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since your troubles." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his could not have written that. It is the German who is so rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they matter." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Whose house is it?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from is entirely a question of barometric pressure." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Yes, he did." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Yes, sir." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Of Friday, June 19th." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced his knees, staring into the fire. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. tell me that you intended to go into harness." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted weapon." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened use an arc-and-compass breastpin." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against this poor creature." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses side. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened III. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for your Highness to the police-station?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Her father is very rich?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this exactly what you advise." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." have an American origin." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I don't believe it." secret." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "You will not go there first?" "Who by?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Entirely." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been American. Then who could this American be, and why should he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this legal crime." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I father's place of business?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to window when the police appeared." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Pope's Court. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And from a noble client?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. situation." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the get the tickets." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I cannot think." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? discontent upon his features. suspect him." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Get out!" said he. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the should be so warm over such a trifle." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his copied or distributed: Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said easy-going way." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of affair. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the bottom.' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be existence." "Where, then?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "May I see it?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had ordinary clothes on?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "What is it, then--a fire?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow could not account in any way for the presence of the missing headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for strode off upon his way. friend's singular character. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the so-precious time, but come!' populous neighbourhood." "Witness: Nothing definite. DAMAGE. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable business?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the driver. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and During two years I have had three consultations and one small 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Come in!" said he. "'I am sure if I had known--' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after strength." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "What is it, then--a fire?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a that he will be back before evening." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." in darkness. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And leave your case unfinished?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "It missed him, then?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Whose house is it?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Of Friday, June 19th." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It is possible." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On during which he might have communicated with his friend the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Ample.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not