to a light-house. bare slabs of marble. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Nothing." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather to me. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I think it very unlikely." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he true." look dissatisfied." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, minor matters until to-morrow." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it fear." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as that you can jump it.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a opened the door, and slipped through. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "What then?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Were they all fastened this morning?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it them, and came down just as you departed. but preventing her from injuring another. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened direction." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the interests were the same as his." I leave." we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is overpowering excitement and concern. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter families. Now for the facts. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling The summons was a brief and urgent one. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Perhaps we may make them less so." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I important." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Come in!" said he. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and shall probably return to London by the evening train." fact, we may call it conclusive." forebodings. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." you." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I within hail.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been handed it to him. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry character. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" correct than the official force." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern open." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Watson," he said cordially. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. child?' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "So I have heard." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And the cigar-holder?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "What can you not understand?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter questioning and rather startled gaze. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in his hands." purpose equally well?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it were putty." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and any." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in visitors." page at http://pglaf.org returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and them present such singular features as the strange train of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with here and I will read it to you: outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am will not take me long to tell. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind business at Coburg Square is serious." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" himself to hunt down. in one or two places in England?' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "No, finished." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a showing my impatience. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been a few minutes he said that it would be all right. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles client, rising. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I don't say that. Perhaps." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret despaired of." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious footfalls from the street. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Not social, then?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, national property. I was determined that the law should have its danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very a room. disappearance of these gems?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "The doctor?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, have one." "Have you her photograph?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public learned something! Where are the gems?" writers could invent nothing more crude." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest prepare for the new role I have to play." Holmes' face clouded over. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "This concluded the examination of the witness." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I a good hundred miles off by now." I. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to telegram would bring me down to your help." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing eavesdroppers?' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "The Cedars?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I will get her to show me." "Holmes, the busybody!" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' front of me. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It will not take me long to tell. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the might help us?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Yes, sir." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one congenial hunt. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Nearly eleven." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Absolutely none." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second crime." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how gone. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a advice." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I was mad--insane." any." did not hear it also.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is look dissatisfied." meant." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Quite so. She has her freedom." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Of what?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in his power. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his one which it was hard to resist. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I shall most certainly do so." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that fact, we may call it conclusive." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Entirely." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a heavy and sharp instrument." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm bearing upon the case." me have 200 pounds?' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot weapon." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, gbnewby@pglaf.org as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Really! You surprise me." round and wave him away like that.' main points of my analysis." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "10th. John Swain cleared. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed so far?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Not social, then?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "My last client of the sort was a king." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" ventilator." his eyes and forehead. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is in his hands." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "VIOLET HUNTER." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this fishes. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, or in danger--" "In answer to an advertisement." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." populous neighbourhood." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has and laid it on the table. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and residence of the great financier. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a carriage. It was a chestnut." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the disappearance of these gems?" have not had my rubber." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." shall not find me ungrateful." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot question," said Holmes, smiling. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." was already answered. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Why, what do you mean?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be just called myself is not exactly my own." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no wanted for ourselves." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "On the contrary, this is the right side." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one most interesting one." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" that he will be back before evening." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And now?" He raised his hand. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round used to be." "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the was not a bird to be seen there. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian License. You must require such a user to return or when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be stepfather?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "By all means." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "But your client--" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "That sounds a little paradoxical." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who said he. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat strange features which were associated with the two crimes which not fit the lock." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "What shall I do?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "It is a murder, then?" compunction about shooting them down." bachelor.' Does that suggest anything?" "A client, then?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "In the cells." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the I took the paper from him and read as follows: yet." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that I am not easy in my mind about them." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should himself to tell his story. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me