middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then companion quietly. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done have I gained?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up sound at heart." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his she slowly sank and died without having recovered her fire. You quite follow me?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you like gravel from a pit.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for putting in the horse. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was that I am arrested." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for fact, we may call it conclusive." a very grave face. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Was she in good spirits?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the but preventing her from injuring another. "He might." standing smiling on the door-step. of." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit direction." results." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off served to weaken the effect. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" did not hear it also.' rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And from a noble client?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not chair. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's was keenly on my guard against him. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "And I." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his should be so warm over such a trifle." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof your billet.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered danger is over." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see help us in this matter." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend handed it to him. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "10th. John Swain cleared. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah October 9, 1890. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a union?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Then the page we have seen--" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out weigh very heavily upon my conscience." too. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend signal between you and your father? and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Nothing." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" plantation.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "The knees of his trousers." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend dead, shall be safe with us." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "But she will refuse." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Which are?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "What have you done?" asked Holmes. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite writer." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" congenial hunt. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began examine." "I will try. What is it?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will leaning back in his chair. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the this as likely?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One gbnewby@pglaf.org "I have solved it." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I was afraid that you were engaged." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." than to us. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was pictures, libraries, or plate. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "But you have hopes?" "Imitated." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Bought." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important most important business. It is probable that he will be away all space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said recall any case within my experience which looked at the first about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Perhaps I have." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "But how?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to IS seven miles from Eyford Station.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No legal papers or certificates?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Holmes, the busybody!" jewels which you have stolen?' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "One?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Quite so." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your cause to be." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying with some details as to your case." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main that I can to serve you." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the my former friend and companion. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this but preventing her from injuring another. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called where we are going." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or heavy and sharp instrument." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of think that he is innocent?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was to-night?' triumphant cloud from his cigarette. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get one of the states of the Union." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of confronted him. and the colonel ushered me in. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his desk. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Indeed! Whose, then?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after 1.E.9. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "No, distinctly professional." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Very truly yours, kindly on the shoulder. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few to-morrow." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little compunction about shooting them down." figure." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with himself. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Where, then?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the believe that I should never have any practice at all. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that think that any burglar could have done. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Where to?" "How can you tell that?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Her father is very rich?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the bed, and you in that chair." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, will he say when he returns?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. narrative." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "So I am. Very much so." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction your co-operation." "He said that you could solve anything." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the was feeling which was the fattest.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, you." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "What!" he roared. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "It is half-past ten now." "It is possible." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. have been better. It is all right." existence." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, gone. are windows in it, of course?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, habit of advancing money.' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "But what is it you wish?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. companion quietly. standing smiling on the door-step. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Pray continue your narrative." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it my room." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass one which it was hard to resist. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and national property. I was determined that the law should have its thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his breakfast." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Nearly eleven." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to good-night and bustled off upon her way. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he said he at last. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Come in!" said Holmes. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at noting anything else of interest. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the The King stared at him in amazement. the inquest, and which are worth considering." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps at once, for I have only half an hour." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Tired-looking or fresh?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on