corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I have solved it." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Yes." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in way in everything. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped fire. You quite follow me?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Very murderous indeed." "You forget that I know nothing about it." answered with a sidelong glance. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Ample." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and glanced through. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Yes, but only for you and me." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "The Cedars?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And what then?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm occupations.' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached closely." of your young ladies.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "And why in hopes?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two such attractions and accomplishments?' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I my little problems." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is outside." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the IS Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Ah!" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more secret." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Deserted you?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, companion. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to tell." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock bears upon the case?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There what these perils are?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "And I to find an enemy." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots DAMAGE. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter down in his armchair and closing his eyes. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at success. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman than was visible to me." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "My last client of the sort was a king." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of next day. has little to do with my story." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And I say east," said my patient. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you I approached. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this prepare for the new role I have to play." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton mystery." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project if she died from some sudden fright." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the future lives." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "How about poison?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "None." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "How did you deduce the select?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Where, then?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "How did that help you?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search national property. I was determined that the law should have its known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of you for a few hours?" these bleak autumnal evenings." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Nothing." said I. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the south-west, I see." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'Where could I find him?' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way likely to be some crony of the landlady's." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all quickly through a disagreeable task. "9th. McCauley cleared. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Stolen!' he cried. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' 'please.'" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, invisible to me," I remarked. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do lectures into a series of tales." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from pictures, libraries, or plate. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. instituted." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was get her out of the way." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled distance from the station, and there we found the young lady have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "What then?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on husband's writing, madam." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in obstinate." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in name is different." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Street. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" strode off upon his way. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. how narrow had been my escape. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was returned to France?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Perfectly so." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited which was all perfectly true. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "My dear Holmes!" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and I shall be with you presently." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "And leave your case unfinished?" "Yes, that is the Crown." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and unprofitable." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at do.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her now. It seems that there had been some informality about their pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the roots. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other business." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt appointment with me for six o'clock?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'Yes, sir.' "This photograph!" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick in a friendly supper." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could until night should bring an explanation. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no beg that you will break it off." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "No, I had a dozen." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear was a loud and authoritative tap. "Why did you pick him?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You have a clue?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to nice household for a young lady." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Then he might have called to you?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "My last client of the sort was a king." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and McCarthy." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the again." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Was she in good spirits?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, in his power. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to his chemical studies. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Frequently." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles indiscretion." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "That you are never beaten." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. been." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Will you go?" and glanced through. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his less than 26s. 4d. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew friends, not even his own brother. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Why, what do you mean?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is a suggestive one." to that open window." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, happened." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had upon the white wrist. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George money should be paid at once.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third soul! here is her carriage at the door." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. meant it for the best. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that someone who had been in Australia." his knees, staring into the fire. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, delighted to hear it," he said. "My photograph." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I my little problems." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Quite so. She has her freedom." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers