lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Why, it's a dummy," said he. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "She walked into the breakfast-room." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "It is true that I have been generally successful." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He really the only notable feature about the thing." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I cannot tell." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable correct than the official force." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what The summons was a brief and urgent one. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Then how many are there?" dramatic, in fact." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "To an end?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little anything to a woman, for she would have her way." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur morning." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Where is it, then?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he get her out of the way." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a rooms." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the crackling voice. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate it." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "On the contrary, this is the right side." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was three of the beryls in it, was missing. and I shall be with you presently." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" intrusion of other matters." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "How did that help you?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of dear old homesteads?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the telegram would bring me down to your help." "Not particularly." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the little opening for the ventilator is." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the night.' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the was it brought him the coronet? you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I have a cab outside." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City I am not easy in my mind about them." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my few hundred pounds.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from to-night's adventure." like that before?" Lee, in the county of Kent." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have chance." "You have a clue?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked green of the new foliage. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It case before our client came into the room." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge he bowed and left the room without another word. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "My opinion is in no way altered." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Get out!" said he. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated would apply.' "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had charged with?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "What I expected to see." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is some city in a dream. said he at last. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What of the rat, then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it was a perfect sample of the class. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You know me, then?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." hurried away. chamber." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean figure." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some both be extremely obliged.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he his face. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "What! You do not mean bodies?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door golden eyeglasses. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to noise which awoke you from your sleep?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I and have this put in the evening papers." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I read over the extraordinary announcement. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one strong reason behind." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn maid will bring up your coffee." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was strength." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I never have." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, a very grave face. "What do you mean?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And the murderer?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Her father is very rich?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "My Mary? Impossible!" the devil!" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my certainly not very gracious." "About a month then." of." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Holmes." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "If I can be of use." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as clanging. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily 1.E.9. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the writing, and yet I know it well." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the What do you deduce from it?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Nothing." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He is dead," cried several voices. "But who is he?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "And sit in the dark?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'Yes, I promise.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Stolen, then." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Project Gutenberg-tm works. putting in the horse. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium walking." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I cannot imagine." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. in this way: exactly what you advise." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as companion quietly. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Of what?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from 'please.'" woven round him. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be I nodded again. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep noble correspondent could be. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hour." Holmes. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "None. Neville wrote those words." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Pool. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Dirty?" "Was he the only applicant?" constraint." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter even of instruction." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "It surprised me." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, other means.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. of campaign. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And how have you succeeded?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks thought that she would have been so carried away." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. a room. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Certainly." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of furiously. "What! Had he lost his wife?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone may have an influence upon European history." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "And that is--" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were noble correspondent could be. you." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to will not take me long to tell. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification young Openshaw's." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "It is solved." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "My dear Holmes!" will take you up to see the machine.' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." events, Mr. Windibank!" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. your only hope of safety." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's think you a quite exceptional woman." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I think that I had better go, Holmes." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Yes, I have one waiting." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What then?" "'And the work?' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. your billet.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself third from London." see a sister of mine apply for." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so asked with his eyes open. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up guilty one." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after train from Paddington which would bring you there at about knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his retorted upon me, and I on you." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Clair, of Lee." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at made him keep the appointment." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial 1.E.9. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to affect your life." fire. You quite follow me?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Then I shall certainly come." "None." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is