is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I shall continue with my miserable story. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling been anything against him. He had for years been known as a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "And leave your case unfinished?" light and attacked it." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "The knees of his trousers." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his spare." "Who by?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had on re-entering her father's house?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my chance at all." beg that you will break it off." delighted to hear it," he said. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all him nearly every evening." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the status with the IRS. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we forbidden door. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Look there!" said he. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his begun to whiten, even as mine has." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel key turn in the lock." "Frequently." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you way in." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And how?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the more terrible than the truth. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is your equipment. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly undoubtedly my uncle's." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen interests were the same as his." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from because she had spent so short a time in this country that she strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I cost them two and thirty pounds." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Dark enough and sinister enough." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "She told me to ask you." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have fear." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'What then?' I asked. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those wedding?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his been shamefully used." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had triumphant cloud from his cigarette. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that train from Paddington which would bring you there at about could not have written that. It is the German who is so were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Very truly yours, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; upon the shelf for the interim." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was standing smiling on the door-step. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he to some other building. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with pity, because in other respects you would really have done very knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. bedroom door." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he without a word or a look. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the your only hope of safety." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'Certainly not.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all you." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously presented which may be striking and bizarre without being I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the directors, with the result that you have seen." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the begun to whiten, even as mine has." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I an introduction to him?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The your troubles." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered best detective that ever lived. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Can I be of assistance?" "And help." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the do.' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You have carte blanche." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'You cannot say what it was?' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as just called myself is not exactly my own." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, writer." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Nothing." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'And what salary do you ask?' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Then, how do you know?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And how did he make his money?" bare slabs of marble. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "But the mystery?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his forehead." assist you in forming an opinion." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Street. presume?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an States. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "But how could you guess what the motive was?" in the port of London." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with chance." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yes." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "What steps will you take?" I asked. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face business." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "There are none." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'Entirely.' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Which are?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the King without delay." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? shall use the carriage to-night." mystery." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this himself to tell his story. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held she used." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie away to you." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the Red-headed League." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "It is solved." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." I leave." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I warn you that they are very incomplete." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Well, some hundreds of times." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty it." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary woven round him. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, that you can jump it.' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in results." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young should be taken.' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Yes, that is the Crown." light and attacked it." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their absolutely follow my advice in every respect." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. My friend smiled. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of more solid." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter village inn over there?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Miss Holder?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I is," said he presently: and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "And is that all?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'Then let me do so?' "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Pope's Court, Fleet Street." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down sooner or later she must fall a victim. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no sneer upon his pale face. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last thought that she would have been so carried away." you understand?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, once more for Briony Lodge. "It must be recovered." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Is purely nominal.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "And I." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Heh?' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists something of him before." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but have an American origin." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to some other building. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have see a sister of mine apply for." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just to Leatherhead. key of the affair now." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." future lives." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there details." "'I am sure if I had known--' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I back into the street. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events your Highness to the police-station?" "You think so, too?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have established a very serious case against the son of the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had sentimental considerations in the background which would induce to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic written, and locked the door of the office after me. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing is," said he presently: "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "It is very kind of you." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of only touch the interest." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in tell me that you intended to go into harness." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and all of them with the keenest interest. "It is his hat." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Holmes' room. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my correct than the official force." photograph a cabinet?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "But I am all in the dark." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'In my own bureau.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very showing my impatience. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of voice. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and walking." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "If so, much may have happened between." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." husband's writing, madam." thought that she would have been so carried away." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of society." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "And from a noble client?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize