Sutherland?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, what do you think they found in the pockets?" "In the cells." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was shining brightly. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." views." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." room. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some read it out to me." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "His face fell immediately. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Seven!" I answered. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." respectable self." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You saw the ventilator, too?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it strong and stiff." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "He said that you could solve anything." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss him nearly every evening." know what is wrong with it.' an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He look dissatisfied." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your it." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "In what way?" asked Holmes. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning footfalls from the street. discontent upon his features. "Could he throw no light?" will take you up to see the machine.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. to arrive at through this?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "I would give my fortune to have them back." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "It is his hat." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Sholtos." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which could not have written that. It is the German who is so "He disappeared so suddenly." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said you give your casting vote to?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are instincts rose up against that laugh. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, pressing in one house as in another. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin stepfather?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest breakfast and whispered something to her husband. is a common subject for conversation. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would you found me to-night--and running through the front room she affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and was a loud and authoritative tap. man. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking in the port of London." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he fluttered off among the others. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, answered with a sidelong glance. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so present strange and interesting features that it is no easy think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'About the same.' that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger attention." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute confronted him. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end once more. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of gone before you can get him to hospital." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to if only as a check to my own memory." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; galvanised. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the warnings." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray over here." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Henry Baker is a member." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "What I expected to see." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'Yes, it was gone.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now handed it to him. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery towards the blaze. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Street. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to-night?' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "How did you trace it, then?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me little trying to do so much typewriting?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to-night?' place no limit on the sum I may draw." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "But what harm can there be in that?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for you?' Literary Archive Foundation of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which might have a private word with us. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for meant." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the direction." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the coronet in his hands?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I 1.E.9. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Will you bet, then?" to a light-house. conduct the inquiry." upon the white wrist. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small gentleman's clothes. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part McCarthy's innocence. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the room while you explain this matter?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "What do you mean?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Dr. Gregory B. Newby to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "By train from Waterloo." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several burst into a hearty fit of laughter. very morning of my second wedding." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "It is solved." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the States. "No good news?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern so.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, undoubtedly my uncle's." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the very morning of the wedding." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Well, it is a possible supposition." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Why did you pick him?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself purpose of examination. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from washing it down with a long draught of water. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. it were putty." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Yes, that is the Crown." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what a monotonous occupation." that I may have something better before very many minutes are that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The doctor?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "How did you trace it, then?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Imitated." once more. tied." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "But she will refuse." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his quite distinctive." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "She walked into the breakfast-room." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It morning." one which it was hard to resist. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, them present such singular features as the strange train of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Count Von Kramm." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such yourselves in at night?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I came to find a friend." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This returned to France?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "He disappeared so suddenly." the Assizes." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "What office?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Oh, no.' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is to-night's adventure." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are voice, changing her seat as requested. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging completely overtopped every other consideration that we both The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her south, for the country is more deserted there." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the armchair which I pushed forward for him. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands her also." "'Stolen!' he cried. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I have a cab outside." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had were new raised from a basin. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Perhaps I have." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Heh?' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. again, where I was soon asleep. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the bottom.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting happened." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "It is true that I have been generally successful." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. 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