the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what that I am arrested." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all what I may call a really hard day's work." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son window when the police appeared." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" really the only notable feature about the thing." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think breakfast." gbnewby@pglaf.org discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell congratulate you again." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. late." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "No." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And the murderer?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You were travelling in the States?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my again." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." be sorry for having acted so harshly." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Were they all fastened this morning?" events than those which have happened in my own family." "None." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "That is not always so easy." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded said I. Dr. Gregory B. Newby leave you to your papers for a little." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows it means?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "No?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises there when the Rucastles went away." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "So I am. Very much so." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, his cane at the bell-pull. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that?' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "No." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "That also I could fathom." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Holmes' face clouded over. clang of the bell. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked in a friendly supper." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught questioning and rather startled gaze. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon had died away into the silence from which it rose. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. always that they were such commands as a lady might with Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, kind enough to tell me what I should do." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. rat could hardly pass through." dead, shall be safe with us." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. is now desirous of getting those letters back." trifles." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round singular points about the case. What did the police think of the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Lee, in the county of Kent." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "It is very kind of you." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a you?' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I promise," said Holmes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had fled together." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Of what day?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened business came to an end." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I don't believe it." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off your equipment. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "No, finished." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and mysterious end." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to States. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Witness: I must still refuse. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here peculiar to him. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'I shall certainly be there.' Mrs. Toller serenely. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was like gravel from a pit.' "By no means." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, chance at all." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "It was." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard will he say when he returns?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in upon an income of about 60 pounds." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "None." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first whole matter to your consideration." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Then I can wait in the next room." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Stolen." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "The murder was done with it." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of deduce something from that?" "Very murderous indeed." did not hear it also.' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "What office?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Can I be of assistance?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "You have carte blanche." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Yes, it was twisted." to that open window." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I may never be exposed to such a temptation." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Was your sister dressed?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "My dear Holmes!" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." been." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very For additional contact information: submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very speckled band?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Holmes' face clouded over. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and felt the room to be a little close.' glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my fattened it expressly for you.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in and laid it on the table. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds other, as fresh and trim as possible. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "But how did you gain them?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine all?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in has little to do with my story." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Yes.' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the lost nothing by them." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, such person." "When did it break out?" You want to know what became of those geese?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "But your client--" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager recall any case within my experience which looked at the first few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to of receipt of the work. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, breakfast." laugh and put his lips to my ear. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "My private note-paper." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included never will be, entirely cleared up. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Where to?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Of what?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the case-book, which he consulted. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the details." call the police, let the police find what they can.' hands. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I think that it is very probable." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Nothing." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" my friend's incisive reasoning. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of face and glided from the room. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small advice." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of