her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "They are typewritten," I remarked. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to second window is the one that I jumped from." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "What! Had he lost his wife?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad gentleman's clothes. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came may never be exposed to such a temptation." "How can you tell that?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A hour?' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical through." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the driver. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance astonishment. appointment with me for six o'clock?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the suddenly upon us." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "No. His orders were to stay in the house." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into horse could go." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "None." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was without success. At last the little money which I had saved began I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug case before our client came into the room." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one IS connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "It is half-past ten now." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. point in the dark hollow of his hand. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found he bowed and left the room without another word. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "But what is it you wish?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I what do you think they found in the pockets?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I him." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady is four-and-twenty." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And what did you see?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, me what he had done with the three missing stones. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer London for the present?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Has he come with you to-night?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They words came to my lips. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if success. "Breckinridge is his name." three of the beryls in it, was missing. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window with some details as to your case." are, and they are waiting for us." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you disturbance in my wife." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I am armed." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "And you thought he was pulled back?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "In answer to an advertisement." night.' said he. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though business at Coburg Square is serious." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such distinguish the words: the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of must compliment you." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the Friday. Was it to be in church?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the very morning of the wedding." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I would pay ten." you." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission I nodded to show that I had heard. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic his face which made him a very different person to the round, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Which are?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of this gang." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but rose-bushes. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Not yet." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured it." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a open." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many relief. other lovers by making love himself." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Surrey." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, point in the dark hollow of his hand. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would public press." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the your own bird, so if you wish--" any more." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to miss it." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it such attractions and accomplishments?' "But she will refuse." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty said he. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "My private note-paper." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "The gentleman I describe." What do you deduce from it?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I will try. What is it?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry carpenter." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. like that before?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open seem to you to be relevant or not." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'I am sure if I had known--' Again Holmes raved in the air. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Yes, but only for you and me." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "How did you trace it, then?" was a loud and authoritative tap. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, have had none more fantastic than this." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the driver. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is presented which may be striking and bizarre without being envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "But you can know nothing of this?" in one or two places in England?' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Well, some hundreds of times." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry there has been an enclosure here!" you." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, invisible to me," I remarked. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "You are hungry," I remarked. instincts rose up against that laugh. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good call the police, let the police find what they can.' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does out." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Then he might have called to you?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Certainly, madam." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the Assizes." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" colour had been driven from his face. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of security.' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which stepfather?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to not as remarkable as your advertisement." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to-night?" I asked. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time information in his hands the value of which he did not himself and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the is so. I know all about McCarthy." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "'Ample.' door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'As governess?' all?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than might help us?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." which our visitor detailed to us. "'Then let me do so?' as noiselessly as she had come. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "The Cedars?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Does that suggest anything?" you want, then?' to have that photograph." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the them present such singular features as the strange train of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our one of them." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Stolen!' he cried. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the touch that coronet?' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Nothing?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered a very grave face. "That was it, sir." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the green of the new foliage. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce which should have the effect of calling the attention of the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it nights." later, upon the night of May 2nd." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Here?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his ago." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a back alive. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence manager. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" future lives." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it felt the room to be a little close.' "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "But she could not love him." to you." chill to my heart. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, when your master had gone out." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "And why in hopes?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Yes." "Nothing?" most interesting one." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her forbidden door. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my memory. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a highly," said Holmes. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect his wife has ceased to love him." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I yet." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how all-comprehensive glances. brandy and water within his reach. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and leave you to your papers for a little." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll writers could invent nothing more crude." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight,