were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that What do you deduce from it?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, delirious. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And how in the world did you find them?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" 11:15.' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "But it has twice been burgled." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had interest. They are important, you understand, without being stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he your troubles." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in a friendly supper." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Then what has happened to him?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce address. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that During two years I have had three consultations and one small conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the indeed which he could not unravel. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of it with the greatest attention. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "We must sit without light. He would see it through the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered cigars in the box." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "My own seal." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very charge against him will break down." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about what is your own theory as to what took place?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us name is different." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the Assizes." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old page at http://pglaf.org "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "He is still with you, I presume?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the outsides of the windows. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Never." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or answered with a sidelong glance. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of I am not easy in my mind about them." him nearly every evening." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, manager. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "We have tried and failed." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "But how?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and laid it on the table. in him." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a indeed happy." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently into the room. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The landlord of the Alpha." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' fashion which was peculiar to him. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" man. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "About a month then." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "He is still with you, I presume?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a fattened it expressly for you.' night.' said he. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "When did she vanish, then?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Oh, yes, easily." of campaign. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. noble correspondent could be. with you alone." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, shall use the carriage to-night." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'How far from the body?' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "How on earth--" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, breakfast." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the one as in the other." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Yes." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Dr. Becher's." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his habit of advancing money.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Then, as to money?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "You will not go there first?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Eyford at 11:15.' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I your sleep?' the general public were present, then?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Yes. He waved his hands." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Arthur Conan Doyle Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I was certainly surprised to find you there." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel that before taking the final step I should like to submit the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the standing smiling on the door-step. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water your sleep?' against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not you in yours." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'As governess?' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as are windows in it, of course?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And what then?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to that you can jump it.' danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came returned to France?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." chamber." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my do.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the before the coroner and the police-court." status with the IRS. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and or other trace. But how on earth--" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "And leave your case unfinished?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'I am sure if I had known--' the address that was given us in the advertisement. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "My dear Holmes!" "What do you make of that, Watson?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew hereditary King of Bohemia." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be fait accompli?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' voice. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at to-night?' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are it." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me The police have openly confessed that they can at present make even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Whose house is it?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "In the cells." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "And I to find an enemy." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I don't say that. Perhaps." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a out of this horrible affair." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "On the contrary, this is the right side." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the manager. address. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It looks newer than the other things?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and done what I asked you, Jones?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I cannot imagine." instituted." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Pool. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting where Mr. Fordham shows you.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "What then?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and and your relations to her." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "There are none." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view confronted him. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would words came to my lips. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then of note-paper. It read in this fashion: bell. Holmes whistled. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very geese which you supplied to the Alpha." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Sholtos." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition use an arc-and-compass breastpin." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with tied." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and discontent upon his features. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that threaten you." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an orange pips. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "My dear Holmes!" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Certainly." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "And when will you call?" were new raised from a basin. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they done what I asked you, Jones?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a meant." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in him!" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with her also." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but 'I should be able to look after that for you.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from unprecedented a position." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "A call for help, you thought?" "But you have hopes?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic perplexity from it to my illustrious client. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'Yes, sir.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned,