and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Yes, it was twisted." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we investigation." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an pity, because in other respects you would really have done very would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." your billet.' "Is he quiet?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "But we can't all be." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "None." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed you, my dear young lady?' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see out." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of breakfast." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Here?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "And how did he make his money?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the desk. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Quite so." empty. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'And the work?' "BALLARAT." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, 'please.'" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he stood on the top of it. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "And sit in the dark?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I fire. You quite follow me?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The three fields round his house, and there he would take his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the take the flies, but not before." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "And who is her maid?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord one of the states of the Union." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough not use it unless it is absolutely needed." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and effective." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, murdered man." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes, at the mines." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own my special province." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an for securing the situation." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my have one." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so already been minutely examined." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Yes, only one." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Nothing." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "About a month then." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if skylight. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot all-comprehensive glances. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I leave." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, and your relations to her." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "My Mary? Impossible!" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the key turn in the lock." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door acted in my house last night?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the warnings." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fattened it expressly for you.' to his chemical studies. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his cigars in their mouths. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the infinite languor in his face. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Have you her photograph?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Is he quiet?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Your French gold?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. up this clue while it is still hot." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, behind me. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Count Von Kramm." sufficient punishment." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what of." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some awkward doing business with an alias." hand, madam?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "How did you trace it, then?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my leave you to your papers for a little." "To the police?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "The murder was done with it." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "You saw the ventilator, too?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving get the tickets." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Of Friday, June 19th." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for salesman. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "One?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: better grown goose." Doctor, of the paper and the date." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon behind me. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met nights." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Munro.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa woven round him. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'I have already given you my word.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a laugh and put his lips to my ear. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "And leave your case unfinished?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are standing smiling on the door-step. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black think that he is innocent?" "But how will you look?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among point our research must commence, and we will begin it by pierced for earrings?" business?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "You heard nothing yourself last night?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." appeal." some water from a caraffe. "Could he throw no light?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously here." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before I think that I could be of assistance to you." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Most admirably.' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Clair, of Lee." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Where did he live, then?" figure." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is weapon." strength in the others." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been laugh and put his lips to my ear. "You know me, then?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Certainly,' I answered. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us individual and becomes the badge of a society." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "One?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "He said that you could solve anything." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" one of the states of the Union." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug highroad, where all traces were lost. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as yours." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'I shall certainly be there.' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Not him." highroad, where all traces were lost. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." waste of energy." "She told me to ask you." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "No." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are was keenly on my guard against him. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was child?' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark in. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for could not have written that. It is the German who is so although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a foresight and the moral retrogression?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Yes, the wine-cellar." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door was a perfect sample of the class. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Very murderous indeed." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And Irene Adler?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. all-comprehensive glances. gigantic client. was keenly on my guard against him. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though quite distinctive." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But vault. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "It is a murder, then?" crackling voice. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there was no need for father to know." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. chambers. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the For additional contact information: me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind happened." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'You cannot say what it was?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" McCarthy's innocence. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and business in the City. She little knew what. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Do you know him?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then DAMAGE. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the Assizes." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to Leatherhead. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a pierced for earrings?" think, you have already met." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is death." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "It is a murder, then?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began strength of mind to control. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said drawing your inferences." young Openshaw's." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Yes.' details." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?"