presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he October 9, 1890. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading know that the truth is known." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to talk it over. as yours." said he. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed sooner or later she must fall a victim. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own soul! here is her carriage at the door." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had to surprise her." way in." crackling voice. "It was." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes leave you to your papers for a little." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Then I am your man." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The King stared at him in amazement. me have 200 pounds?' My friend smiled. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, morning." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your mysterious end." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon to-night?' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." cause to be." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of business." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the side-table." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's became a certainty. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his wife has ceased to love him." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "My opinion is in no way altered." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid evidence," I remarked. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice four million human beings all jostling each other within the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such excitement. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Yes." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who following enigmatical notices: intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to if only as a check to my own memory." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, through." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Yes, certainly." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you test if we have an answer to our advertisement." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "You have a clue?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not God! What an exposure! What can I do?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Yes, sir.' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who who was a member of your goose club." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "The doctor?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid and shall probably return to London by the evening train." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" official police." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ their singular warning or token before them when starting upon set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and whatever might befall. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, said he at last. my secret was safe in his possession. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, comes from the middle window." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings light and attacked it." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She what I may call a really hard day's work." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my families. Now for the facts. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the confronted him. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "One of his hands." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Whose house is it?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "None." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a before the coroner and the police-court." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "How on earth--" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "There are none." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never It was close upon four before the door opened, and a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of remarked. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of chance." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable him!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "The best possible." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "That is easily got." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal would then never go into court at all." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I from you?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The when your master had gone out." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in late!' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more you?' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the go--none." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "He slept on the premises." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And help." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to stepfather?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "What are they?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'Most admirably.' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "It is possible." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Where does the thing come from?' "Entirely." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "And you don't know his address?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among passage and a tap at the door. "Yes, I have one waiting." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into My friend smiled. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Yes." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Yes, sir.' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had memory. "Pray do so." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." hands. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unprecedented a position." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. begun to whiten, even as mine has." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and morning." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Then I shall certainly come." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat desk. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and it need not interfere very much with one's other their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the night.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "How did he come?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Do you go out much in society?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by telegram would bring me down to your help." interested in these little problems, and since you are good The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was lame." "It is a murder, then?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow formed some opinion?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the III. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and your relations to her." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there long narrative. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of way in everything. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of examine." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which already been minutely examined." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. to that open window." until night should bring an explanation. had a long day." assist you in forming an opinion." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Will you go?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "But to whom?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Witness: Nothing definite. "Stoke Moran?" said he. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of throat." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was that threaten you." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in new duties?' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow of a light. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes me what he had done with the three missing stones. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the think that he is innocent?" "How did he come?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to detained." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no emerged. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "He slept on the premises." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'I am sure that I do not know.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his she slowly sank and died without having recovered her out of this horrible affair." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "What, then?" new duties?' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. open." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is criminal. We have already had experience of such." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened crackling voice. friend's singular character. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and trifles." rat could hardly pass through." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," bachelor.' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it people don't know." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found read it out to me." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." hereditary King of Bohemia." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "How many? I don't know." British peeress.'" "What then?" signal between you and your father? self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it lamp in his hand. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she.