fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I don't say that. Perhaps." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Stolen, then." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I am all attention, madam." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an good for you to do.' "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan situation." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have gigantic client. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case happened." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "One horse?" interjected Holmes. I leave." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with beyond words. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we jewels which you have stolen?' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my said he at last. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of happened." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she voice. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the general public were present, then?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the beyond words. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Do you go out much in society?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Look there!" said he. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "He is dead," cried several voices. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just on in his house." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is to take care of herself." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Thank you. Pray proceed." "No, but the enclosure is." the coronet in his hand?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, purpose of examination. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Serpentine Avenue. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Texas, I think." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about read over the extraordinary announcement. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for whole matter to your consideration." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" a room. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was the fact that his father should, according to his account, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'I am sure that I do not know.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But his lameness?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, occupations.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "That is easily got." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter peculiar to him. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "The King of Scandinavia." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "And I." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "BALLARAT." the dangers which encompass me." words came to my lips. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted letters?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much and the colonel ushered me in. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism three fields round his house, and there he would take his possible that we could bring him back to her? of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. just ask you whether you had heard it.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "One horse?" interjected Holmes. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "What! a murderous attack?" undoubtedly my uncle's." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is believe that I should never have any practice at all. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only case-book, which he consulted. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I breakfast." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were your sleep?' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a bears upon the case?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: You want to know what became of those geese?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. stalked out of the room. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'About the same.' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Yes, sir." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men me have 200 pounds?' Stoke Moran." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I answered that I had not. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Never to return." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. enter into my head. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I am still in the dark." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with would then never go into court at all." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "No?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "What?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." 11:15.' she to prove their authenticity?" drawing your inferences." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Precisely." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. depend upon my doing so.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the pressing in one house as in another. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "But not more so than I to find you." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE figure." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. long narrative. paper in the air. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had presume?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who he bowed and left the room without another word. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, fresh and glossy." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "None." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat used to be." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me read over the extraordinary announcement. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there at once, for I have only half an hour." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the matter." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in the port of London." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." one else, I think." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Not particularly." come either from the window or the door. My attention was is a common subject for conversation. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." address. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Seven!" I answered. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I tell him that I know him to be innocent." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! sufficient punishment." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic upon the shelf for the interim." to change my dress. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "What are they?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid me where it went to?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK your room." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set address. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'As governess?' lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting his fortune, and I went back to pa. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "In the cells." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "How often?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Where did he live, then?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, His name is Francis Prosper." remarked. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and your relations to her." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and colonel looking down at me. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works there was no need for father to know." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It pound a week." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "And it is--" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case States. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I don't say that. Perhaps." records." "Was she in good spirits?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should quickly through a disagreeable task. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full gbnewby@pglaf.org your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our fashion which was peculiar to him. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'What do you call purely nominal?' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project wanted for ourselves." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. http://gutenberg.net/license). the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Witness: Nothing definite. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly where Mr. Fordham shows you.' who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will I shall communicate with you." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. conduct the inquiry." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,'