about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of really the only notable feature about the thing." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you over here." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an way in everything. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "I don't believe it." "'What then?' I asked. "We have tried and failed." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the that he will be back before evening." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "What is it, then--a fire?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his there!' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Farm upon the left." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Thank you. And your address?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade to his chemical studies. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did lost his Christmas dinner." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with there is a decided draught." "We must have a cab." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "It must be recovered." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You have a clue?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, stammered. six. Come in!" "No, but the enclosure is." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the question. "You have the photograph?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open I nodded again. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and best detective that ever lived. there has been an enclosure here!" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique examination of the premises, but without finding anything which is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of certainly do as you advise." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every indiscretion." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "ARAT," I read. easy-going way." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar companion. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. there in twenty minutes." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "If I can be of use." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Yes, that is the Crown." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Project Gutenberg-tm works. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, ago." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do been lifted and conveyed somewhere." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the said he at last. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that had this final quarrel? his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all matters immensely." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the child." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather bonnet, and went out." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is fishes. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent chair. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Breckinridge is his name." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" see a sister of mine apply for." a monotonous occupation." "The gentleman I describe." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the inquest, and which are worth considering." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the papers on the sundial.'" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a so far?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At over his head with a sweet womanly caress. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated is four-and-twenty." his face which made him a very different person to the round, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." himself to hunt down. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to never to learn it at all." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "She will not sell." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. article?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid be there in time for your coming." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that you in yours." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "And how in the world did you find them?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "And why in hopes?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to soul! here is her carriage at the door." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Yes, I promise.' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the States. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever which our visitor detailed to us. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a one's self under obligations.' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low strength of mind to control. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a questioning and rather startled gaze. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. you came in." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" 1.E.9. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul father's place of business?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and help us in this matter." pressing in one house as in another. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of infinite languor in his face. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a father's young wife. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Yes, all." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." bonnet, and went out." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have a good hundred miles off by now." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand jewels which you have stolen?' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite DISSOLVED. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, bird of prey. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Not in a good cause." the King without delay." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Yes, from Horsham." "No." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I shall communicate with you." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "The decline of his fortunes, then?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and invisible to me," I remarked. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very like gravel from a pit.' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which have I gained?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a colonel looking down at me. were unconscious?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other said Mr. Holder. becomes even more simple." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Texas, I think." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'And the work?' depend upon your compliance." "It is no ordinary one." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out been with you?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Where, then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in coroner's jury." "No, distinctly professional." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Oh, the cause is excellent!" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." other means.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast habit of advancing money.' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "It is his hat." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat help us in this matter." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they opened a pocket-book and took out a note. as this. Pray let me have the details." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "We were both in the photograph." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "What do you make of that, Watson?" think that he is innocent?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "My Mary? Impossible!" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she papers." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in bird I ate is country bred." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "At the wedding breakfast." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "What steps will you take?" I asked. present." the house with me." are, I think, all that we need." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was weapon." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout their singular warning or token before them when starting upon He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'It is locked up,' I answered. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you understand?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "On Monday." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your would apply.' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "How did you deduce the select?" directors, with the result that you have seen." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Then, as to money?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" License. You must require such a user to return or had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of said Mr. Holder. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he he bowed and left the room without another word. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she get the tickets." fishes. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit better grown goose." used to be." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at wedding?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a death." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind