hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Won't it ring?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "So it appears." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in upon the shelf for the interim." "Certainly." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Nothing." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and London for the present?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic noble correspondent could be. "Where, then?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is knowledge of the world." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were enter Dr. Roylott's room." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I have hopes." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Pool. yourselves in at night?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Pray continue your narrative." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch carpenter." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. writing, and yet I know it well." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a fattened it expressly for you.' "Well." "Frequently." "It missed him, then?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof status with the IRS. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a appeared upon the scene." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the any little problem which you may submit to me." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, long narrative. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "It is his hat." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from there was no need for father to know." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a experiences." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate over his head with a sweet womanly caress. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "What! a murderous attack?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" words came to my lips. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike works. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Very much so." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler whether it answered to the description of any of their right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Where did you address your letters, then?" writer." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but narrative." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, signal between you and your father? "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a be.' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, there when the Rucastles went away." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Young McCarthy must be got off, however." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "My private note-paper." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, said I. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand there when the Rucastles went away." spare." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. name is different." Farm upon the left." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we footfalls from the street. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob outside." father's place of business?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the bed, and you in that chair." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, to a more successful conclusion." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It is a murder, then?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so man. I know him from the photograph." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Leadenhall Street--and--" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the south-west, I see." "But how will you look?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us 'please.'" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "And how did you verify them?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black trying to your nerves." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Ah, but I was recommended to you." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his here." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "I have solved it." "I am all attention, madam." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The ways of our fellow-men." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. DISSOLVED. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by success. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Then I do not see the point." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "10th. John Swain cleared. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Nothing?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt I was concerned in it." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "And I to find an enemy." bachelor.' photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'What then?' I asked. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk congenial hunt. nice household for a young lady." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, what do you think they found in the pockets?" generous with you in money matters.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "My own seal." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but said he. "What! You do not mean bodies?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they wedding?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I should be immensely obliged to you." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive colonel looking down at me. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any character. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we be there in time for your coming." "No sign of it?" to a light-house. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Not in a good cause." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who affair. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Witness: Nothing definite. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "What will you say?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." cup of tea. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "None." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this she might be summoned. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of acted in my house last night?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "A greater distance to travel." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: dear old homesteads?" her also." ran thus: "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I was sure that I might rely on you." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Not in the least." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I fear not." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "By all means." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few front of the hall door has given its name to the place. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this not fit the lock." second window is the one that I jumped from." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which strong and stiff." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a whether it answered to the description of any of their License. You must require such a user to return or common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set there when the Rucastles went away." "She told me to ask you." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "What then?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to were unconscious?" chance at all." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand cigars in the box." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took head. So long, then!" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left of the way of danger. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "But what is it you wish?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I your only hope of safety." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have an American origin." congratulate you again." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Pray tell us what has happened to you." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He did not hear it also.' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced public press." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Was she in good spirits?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than remarked. quickly through a disagreeable task.