gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "My dear Holmes!" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." it right.' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card all?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. were unconscious?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to III. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I their singular warning or token before them when starting upon laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It is half-past ten now." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very suggested at once that there must be a communication between the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside off." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for points in connection with it which never have been, and probably against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, visitors." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Then, how do you know?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Ah!" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "No, I had a dozen." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into him." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of your young ladies.' "You were travelling in the States?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through forehead. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and put his glass in his pocket. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." companion quietly. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Does that suggest anything?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the go back?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our definite end. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side started for the Temple to see my husband. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "That you are never beaten." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several likely to be some crony of the landlady's." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. him!" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "That also I could fathom." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered acted in my house last night?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man right! Sit down and let us talk it over." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about be best to do. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Then you may be so with me." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "An accident, I presume?" note?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time hands. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to that open window." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Yes." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "What have you to say now?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the house with me." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure most interesting one." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Does that suggest anything?" evidence," I remarked. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do tightly behind him. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that know all about it," he snarled. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the roots. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" easy-going way." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small paper in the air. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "One?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "That is possible." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What!" he roared. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab already been minutely examined." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among about here speaks of his kindness to him." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Gutenberg-tm License. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" your equipment. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank a good hundred miles off by now." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the advice." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, vault. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing with her." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "And how?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "No. His orders were to stay in the house." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a golden eyeglasses. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to with you?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you occurred." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in matter." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from his forehead." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were not fit the lock." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have ready to-morrow?' way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint go--none." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, better in every way that they should make their position a little very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble than to us. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary feature." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered our word." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. one's self under obligations.' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have pierced for earrings?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." man. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes call the police, let the police find what they can.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Not particularly." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Did he not advertise?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Never,' said I. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Perfectly so." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "None. Neville wrote those words." this man was intellectual?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a morning." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, over with notes and figures. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "The gentleman I describe." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be case-book, which he consulted. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Can I be of assistance?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I am to be neutral?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City companion. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth were new raised from a basin. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "It is his hat." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature any little problem which you may submit to me." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a coat-tails." "Come in!" said he. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by there has been an enclosure here!" "That is not always so easy." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Where, then, is my wife?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess bare slabs of marble. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the we went to search for him, face downward in a little quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "The murder was done with it." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "But I am all in the dark." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Project Gutenberg-tm works. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making flock.' "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "By train from Waterloo." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Deserted you?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to During two years I have had three consultations and one small "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed hard-headed British jury." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I shall be delighted." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "How did that help you?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for presume?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Yes." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my than was visible to me." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "It may not come to that," said Holmes. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Never to return." Mary, has deserted me." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "That is also quite modern," said the lady. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of was used.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the amused." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the any little problem which you may submit to me." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was out." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Then I can wait in the next room." "The landlord of the Alpha." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper burst into a hearty fit of laughter. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent wedding?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place