soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'What, the red-headed man?' "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Here?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, whatever might befall. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "And you thought he was pulled back?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Absolutely none." have an American origin." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "When did she vanish, then?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have yourselves in at night?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Oh, the cause is excellent!" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the tragedy. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not like that before?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Was the window open?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every since then to throw any light upon what became of him." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of them has the shutters up.' Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and laid it on the table. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout bird I ate is country bred." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Holmes, the busybody!" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "The gentleman I describe." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are intimate personal affairs in this public manner." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was have one." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, were wasted." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Most admirably.' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" have been better. It is all right." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Texas, I think." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To you want, then?' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a stepfather?" be best to do. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. fluttered off among the others. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, comes from the middle window." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You were travelling in the States?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a figure." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Oh, yes, easily." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of any more." despair." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted clanging. "Was he the only applicant?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this as he remarks, very much against the son." tear off another piece?' "But what will you do?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" License. You must require such a user to return or to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the woman." lips." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as that I am arrested." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." memory. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." wedding?" way in everything. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as detective. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his do." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit together. gone. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" washing it down with a long draught of water. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the stable lane now." "That was it, sir." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the King without delay." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this four million human beings all jostling each other within the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You are hungry," I remarked. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, and no precautions can guard against." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to miles off. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "My own seal." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have a good hundred miles off by now." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole very morning of my second wedding." "But what will you do?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on tension within him. delirious. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present relation between them, and what the object of his repeated In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round pictures, libraries, or plate. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Quite so." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the devil!" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true it with his own hands." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as matter over." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE crime." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. make me his representative both with the servants and with the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with again before evening." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal in this note: essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and effective." conduct the inquiry." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very hardly wander." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "What then?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by hereditary King of Bohemia." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the I leave." "Well, but China?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my arrested. You then--" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, key turn in the lock." "And from a noble client?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a of Fenchurch Street." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Very. But will he see it?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his respectable self." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on telegram would bring me down to your help." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Nearly eleven." pierced for earrings?" have I gained?" roused himself from his reverie. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, kind enough to tell me what I should do." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "What do you mean?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where cost them two and thirty pounds." was used.' "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "They are typewritten," I remarked. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but indeed happy." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to tackle the facts." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Certainly." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Eyford." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid plantation.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' indiscretion." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of States. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who strong reason behind." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "We have tried and failed." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Stolen!' he cried. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper acted in my house last night?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to detained." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "And sit in the dark?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I shall be delighted." house for five minutes.' have accepted such a situation. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her have not had my rubber." the devil!" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left guilty one." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired me have 200 pounds?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the devil!" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean to tackle the facts." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." night.' said he. My friend smiled. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Her father is very rich?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He least a most suspicious remark." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And who is her maid?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "At the wedding breakfast." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of Fenchurch Street." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I came to find a friend." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Not I." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" colour had been driven from his face. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "No." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would your own bird, so if you wish--" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Just look it up, then." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he felt the room to be a little close.' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Miss Holder?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' think you a quite exceptional woman." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, was lame." voice, changing her seat as requested. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Not in the least." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them lost nothing by them." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he