old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your way in." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You think that he is dead?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative conclusions. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my stalked out of the room. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "No. His orders were to stay in the house." other, as fresh and trim as possible. yards of it?' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "10th. John Swain cleared. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Precisely." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his this Miss Turner." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are hair?' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been which I could not give. He asked for Alice. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Holmes. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a dear old homesteads?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And Irene Adler?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself feature." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Street. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "ARAT," I read. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "What! a murderous attack?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'What are you doing there?' he asked. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the I. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in think, you have already met." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I cannot imagine." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress something of him before." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and trifles." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I forbidden door. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the cigars in their mouths. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. stalked out of the room. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every over with notes and figures. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Ample." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which awkward doing business with an alias." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or cheerful." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar suddenly upon us." "But his left-handedness." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, go--none." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Yes." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two that you wished to speak to me?' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a room. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" highroad, where all traces were lost. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are in. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the very old mansion. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the coronet in his hands?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "My dear Holmes!" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had long narrative. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "In the cells." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he lost nothing by them." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I cannot imagine." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that empty. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable there!' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Holmes' thin, eager face. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Yes." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring fashion which was peculiar to him. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the examine." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Stolen, then." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other father's young wife. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" friend's singular character. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Was the window open?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar His smile broadened. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I know where it is." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange forehead. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'About the same.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east nothing of it?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "My photograph." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached kindly on the shoulder. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "ARAT," I read. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the charge against him will break down." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the stones. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his sofa. This way, please!" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Yesterday." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of the one which your family is now devouring." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a II. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'Where to?' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Well." less than 26s. 4d. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for my former friend and companion. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I should wish to." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "You think that he is dead?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. notes," he said. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Perfectly so." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of peculiar to him. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Mary, has deserted me." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert http://www.gutenberg.net Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Holmes, the busybody!" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with least a most suspicious remark." taking in every detail of the apartment. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in is so. I know all about McCarthy." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of receipt of the work. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." quick march!" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb charge against him will break down." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Holmes' room. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her detective. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the had died away into the silence from which it rose. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Yes.' "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I into the bag, and made for the door. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled drove away. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for a suggestive one." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may followed. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in made his money." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. bachelor.' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A is now desirous of getting those letters back." empty. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of morning." carpenter." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should fled together." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Entirely." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a south, for the country is more deserted there." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business matter." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and capable of preserving a secret.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I will not look." security.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "No, I had a dozen." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "But how?" to tackle the facts." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'And the work?' "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' bell. Holmes whistled. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." with you alone." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. beyond words. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the inquest, and which are worth considering." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. What do you deduce from it?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "It came here." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. http://gutenberg.net/license). "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I thin legs towards the fire. attention." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; front of the hall door has given its name to the place. think you a quite exceptional woman." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." wife's character?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." presented more singular features than that which was associated my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a strong reason behind." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The