"Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the families. Now for the facts. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at or in danger--" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when was the fact that his father should, according to his account, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to change my dress. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a was feeling which was the fattest.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have were wasted." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a yourselves in at night?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it mysterious business." sneer upon his pale face. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this dramatic, in fact." of receipt of the work. gives a meaning to it." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who sound at heart." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for himself in a perplexing position. "You think that he is dead?" the very morning of the wedding." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with experiences." or in danger--" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the devil!" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his in my life." "I cannot tell." one's self under obligations.' of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then people don't know." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "On your arm?" back alive. room?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is detained." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Not I." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my know that the truth is known." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. your billet.' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic success. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." exactly what you advise." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Nearly eleven." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it window when the police appeared." least a fellow-countryman. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "That is not always so easy." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, London for the present?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "But you would not advise me to refuse?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly since then to throw any light upon what became of him." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered paper in the air. may have an influence upon European history." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the night.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "And how?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to salesman. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and leave you to your papers for a little." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed purpose of examination. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'Ten to two.' "Pray continue your narrative." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she arrangements." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with light and attacked it." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the for and were ordered to this address. populous neighbourhood." "But I am all in the dark." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to unprofitable." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' it." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "What, then?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went then?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him enter into my head. "Game for a morning drive?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent to affect your life." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which closely." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away she used." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "What! Had he lost his wife?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a it with his own hands." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "That is possible." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." experiences." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the more terrible than the truth. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very It may be so in this case, also." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he have an American origin." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at legal crime." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Yes, but only for you and me." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had certainly not very gracious." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest as yours." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close occurred." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Do you know him?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his think that any burglar could have done. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and prisoner's face. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Street. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Street. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "But to whom?" your sleep?' "What!" he roared. "I see no marks." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Pope's Court. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. said Mr. Holder. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the papers on the sundial.'" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" are, I think, all that we need." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a hereditary King of Bohemia." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather not, dad?" she asked. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does some city in a dream. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after murdered man." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second to affect your life." persecution?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "How did you trace it, then?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I am to be neutral?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the himself. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and all of them with the keenest interest. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in been anything against him. He had for years been known as a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there writer." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Dark enough and sinister enough." "What will you do, then?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him I. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. be best to do. Edgeware Road. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, you?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Get out!" said he. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I saw her in conversation with her maid." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to cup of tea. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said begun to whiten, even as mine has." nonsense.' "Then, as to money?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and of." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Can I be of assistance?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is on re-entering her father's house?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'I shall certainly be there.' "Was she in good spirits?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare unkempt, staring out at me. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Where, then, is my wife?" some city in a dream. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to arrive at through this?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is your sleep?' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly believe that I should never have any practice at all. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "My own seal." approach us with offers to donate. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'Never.' him to go away.' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Nothing?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "You know me, then?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were be.' asked with his eyes open. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked allusion to a rat. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "And I say east," said my patient. residence of the great financier. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I am armed." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the room while you explain this matter?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the coronet in his hands?" to some other building. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. written, and locked the door of the office after me. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the that I may have something better before very many minutes are for the market.' two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I say it is." "Very truly yours, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "No. What a strange idea!" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Entirely." "Can I be of assistance?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman.