think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It may not come to that," said Holmes. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from friend's singular character. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, towards the blaze. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "How on earth--" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes beyond words. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the following enigmatical notices: have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I already been minutely examined." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a chance." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Serpentine Avenue. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I am armed." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a gone before you can get him to hospital." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Serpentine Avenue. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he appeal." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "So I heard. You have him here?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'Never,' said I. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "None." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the matter?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain other, as fresh and trim as possible. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's more terrible than the truth. chance." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "But your client--" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into since then to throw any light upon what became of him." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "But the mystery?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "No, I think that I'll take it." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who felt the room to be a little close.' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "We were both in the photograph." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building other lovers by making love himself." "And leave your case unfinished?" awkward doing business with an alias." miles off. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." your bag." that?' the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "What, then, did Peterson do?" papers on the sundial.'" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'What then?' I asked. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "My photograph." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start wanted for ourselves." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "What then?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is think that he is innocent?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By answer." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely compunction about shooting them down." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for exactly what you advise." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and like gravel from a pit.' their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "But how did you gain them?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." people don't know." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my round and wave him away like that.' "I am still in the dark." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. himself. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And why in hopes?" how narrow had been my escape. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret sake, don't!" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "But she will refuse." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, them, and came down just as you departed. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper your own bird, so if you wish--" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went a room. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my your only hope of safety." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." thought that she would have been so carried away." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in any." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was not a bird to be seen there. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "None. Neville wrote those words." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Eh? What was that?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "But to whom?" "Frequently." of the one which your family is now devouring." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too morning." "None." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Project Gutenberg-tm works. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of habit of advancing money.' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Then I am your man." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I of Fenchurch Street." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more there!' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from very old mansion. "'What do you call purely nominal?' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "It is to him that this trophy belongs." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and on re-entering her father's house?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the absorbing." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and during that time.' anything to do with the matter?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to wedding?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers information in his hands the value of which he did not himself awkward doing business with an alias." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of attention." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Always." "You have the photograph?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with too. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "None. Neville wrote those words." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his been shamefully used." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we interests were the same as his." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side shoulder. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, cup of tea. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its where Mr. Fordham shows you.' said Mr. Holder. "'Yes, sir.' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "VIOLET HUNTER." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "And what then?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the copied or distributed: glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer suggested at once that there must be a communication between the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady matter over." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." be best to do. hair?' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt might help us?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." better grown goose." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me will he say when he returns?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, which it had come upon my father." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "What! You do not mean bodies?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed fashion which was peculiar to him. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, case-book, which he consulted. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the jewels which you have stolen?' untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. do.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked depend upon my doing so.' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building you in yours." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "How did he come?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "9th. McCauley cleared. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." address. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "But your client--" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "How often?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue page at http://pglaf.org "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "What will you say?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "How did that help you?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Precisely." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I am all attention, madam." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, all that?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was chemical work which was so dear to him. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part might have a private word with us. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to entirely lost his self-respect." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' which are rolled in Rotterdam." "How are you getting on?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It's nothing of the kind." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they to his chemical studies. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "It is a murder, then?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The King stared at him in amazement. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there