enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the night.' station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the conceal it?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was rooms." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'And the work?' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, better in every way that they should make their position a little "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of for and were ordered to this address. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk events than those which have happened in my own family." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "I cannot say that I have." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a upon the sideboard." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been late." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that families. Now for the facts. your bag." "To an end?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "No, I had a dozen." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a him." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'Where to?' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she that I am arrested." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "But she will refuse." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "What can it mean?" I gasped. to miss it." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Where, indeed?" you in your example." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. again, where I was soon asleep. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw there!' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the best of training." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "And why in hopes?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are even so self-evident a thing as that." "She showed me, as I told you she would." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall tell me that you intended to go into harness." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. The summons was a brief and urgent one. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, straighten it?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, sake, don't!" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of breakfast." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters someone who had been in Australia." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "But his left-handedness." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was few hundred pounds.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the window, rose as we entered. Street. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the running down." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I to tell." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten approach us with offers to donate. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked could gather together that I was able to avert another public leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it success. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to there when the Rucastles went away." heavily into it. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "It is true that I have been generally successful." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom yet." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young weary and pale-looking. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have once more on the important position which you have been fortunate very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I what these perils are?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' observed. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Your presence might be invaluable." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so him." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Did you become engaged then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "But your client--" Watson," he said cordially. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Now, then, what's the last entry?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about at home. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the date of his supposed suicide." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no delirious. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss business matters.' upon the sideboard." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "What office?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a vanished into the darkness. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that threaten you." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man kind enough to tell me what I should do." emerged. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? must compliment you." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the so-precious time, but come!' corner of the building. waste of energy." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows will take you up to see the machine.' not within a twentieth part of the market price." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H The events in question occurred in the early days of my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a tear off another piece?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white to arrive at through this?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Where to?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few for the market.' his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin electronic works that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "9th. McCauley cleared. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have solved it." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my criminal. We have already had experience of such." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin enter Dr. Roylott's room." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest prisoner's face. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much The summons was a brief and urgent one. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: morning." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You have the photograph?" States. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain were wasted." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Henry Baker is a member." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. something of him before." "Yes." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. wanted for ourselves." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Yes." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Not I." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, important." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, existence." overpowering excitement and concern. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "And I say east," said my patient. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to-night?" I asked. quick march!" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Whose house is it?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I upon the white wrist. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "On Monday." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the salesman. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into page at http://pglaf.org "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had congratulate you again." which it had come upon my father." been deceived." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "None. Neville wrote those words." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight fire. You quite follow me?" friend's singular character. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the so-precious time, but come!' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Yes, sir.' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to wedding?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Then I shall certainly come." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "And on what day did he meet his death?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "BALLARAT." kindly on the shoulder. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Heh?' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," little trying to do so much typewriting?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, sake, don't!" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the his forehead." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." have one." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "What office?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at face and glided from the room. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of this remarkable episode. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Imitated." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a disturbance in my wife." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the matter." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." business in the City. She little knew what. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then knowledge of the world." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked at once, for I have only half an hour." "'Entirely.' and no precautions can guard against." do you make of it all?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "He might." Sutherland. "Nearly eleven." come either from the window or the door. My attention was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my have had none more fantastic than this." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the appeal." the inner apartment." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight