you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'And what salary do you ask?' right! Sit down and let us talk it over." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the helping a boy to put up the shutters. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt you do it in twenty minutes!' asked. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Breckinridge is his name." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'A dozen yards or so.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Holmes' face clouded over. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall their singular warning or token before them when starting upon remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" through." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited me where it went to?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the about here speaks of his kindness to him." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece residence of the great financier. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the morning and make my own way in the world.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, chance at all." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "The King of Scandinavia." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to was feeling which was the fattest.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But be there in time for your coming." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the coronet at all injured?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside following enigmatical notices: when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the coronet at all injured?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "To an English lawyer named Norton." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." these bleak autumnal evenings." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was is worth.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Where, indeed?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who respectable self." "That is possible." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. posted to-day." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to society." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are prisoner's face. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard case before our client came into the room." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. events, Mr. Windibank!" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the some terrible trap for her." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife said he. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the driver. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to floor. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, fat-encircled eyes. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us crime. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." affection." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the father's young wife. the station." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "And what did you learn from him?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to ourselves in the office." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "And how in the world did you find them?" corner of the building. fire. You quite follow me?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Count Von Kramm." village inn over there?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from of your young ladies.' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon than to us. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon rat could hardly pass through." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "An accident, I presume?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Ten will be early enough." morning." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you companion. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' very morning of my second wedding." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that to affect your life." had this final quarrel? the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, answered with a sidelong glance. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is States. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "And how did you verify them?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Surrey." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "On Monday." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to attention." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the hour." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a outbreak?" "I will try. What is it?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No legal papers or certificates?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of crowd. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "What can you not understand?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia security.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Oh, the cause is excellent!" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the unclasping of his long thin hands. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I have solved it." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Miss Holder?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has directors have had misgivings upon the subject." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "It was an hour's good drive." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "No?" "Yes." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She becomes even more simple." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And how?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open as he remarks, very much against the son." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the inquest, and which are worth considering." as noiselessly as she had come. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. purpose equally well?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, with the outside air!" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of." indeed which he could not unravel. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "On the contrary, this is the right side." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "He said too much." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "In what way?" asked Holmes. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue what these perils are?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over second." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Then I shall certainly come." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Proceed, then." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were golden eyeglasses. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'As governess?' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Why, it's a dummy," said he. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't you?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Quite so." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Of Friday, June 19th." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which could not have written that. It is the German who is so so.' another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small room?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, with some details as to your case." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she strode off upon his way. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And not as remarkable as your advertisement." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two at once, for I have only half an hour." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the shall not find me ungrateful." You want to know what became of those geese?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood knowledge of the world." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, been able to understand it, in a very few words. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking new duties?' permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled own family. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only you." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "His face fell immediately. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "And now?" I asked. even of instruction." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, followed. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite noting anything else of interest. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Stolen." "Yes, it was twisted." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a better grown goose." there is a decided draught." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found unprecedented a position." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to what I may call a really hard day's work." allusion to a rat. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Munro.' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "It is very kind of you." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." weapon." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." meant it for the best. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Imitated." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. British peeress.'" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "By all means." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the night.' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked before the coroner and the police-court." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yes, that is the Crown." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he since then to throw any light upon what became of him." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning dramatic, in fact." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel during that time.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A