the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'What, the red-headed man?' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said which are rolled in Rotterdam." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of arrangements." Miss Holder?" secret." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else fear." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the Friday. Was it to be in church?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock upon the sideboard." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, chance." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and your relations to her." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of than was visible to me." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is in darkness. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which with you alone." I approached. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you do it in twenty minutes!' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora round with crates and massive boxes. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "But not more so than I to find you." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally might have a private word with us. lumber-room." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'You cannot say what it was?' I shall communicate with you." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "No, finished." other, as fresh and trim as possible. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin keep the flames under. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project made his money." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." congenial hunt. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Yes, but only for you and me." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "The rest you will leave in our hands." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It is a murder, then?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" was a lad." "Here?" "By no means." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "You have carte blanche." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Could he throw no light?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that your room." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no impression behind it as though a window had gently closed reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than heavily into it. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not empty. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that there was nothing in it, after all." whatever might befall. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I placed his cuttings. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "If I can be of use." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Then you may be so with me." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A for and were ordered to this address. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the we went to search for him, face downward in a little to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "What!" he roared. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed speckled band?" photograph?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for man. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon against a man in the prime of life?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and prosperity to your house. Good-night." once more for Briony Lodge. be there in time for your coming." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are business." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think obstinate." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional said I. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Eyford at 11:15.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very always that they were such commands as a lady might with that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Proceed, then." eavesdroppers?' dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely even of instruction." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was carried out of court." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to take care of herself." "I would pay ten." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying annoyance, but no jest. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for bell. Holmes whistled. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are hereditary King of Bohemia." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice breakfast?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? four million human beings all jostling each other within the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "No?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and any more." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of fine shops and stately business premises that they really them, and came down just as you departed. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself problems help me to do so." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in him." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, occupations.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "We were both in the photograph." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a entirely lost his self-respect." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly some terrible trap for her." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'Certainly not. But why?' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." man. I know him from the photograph." works. See paragraph 1.E below. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, be there in time for your coming." particular state visit http://pglaf.org electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "What can it mean?" I gasped. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Why did you pick him?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a weighed down with some great anxiety. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Witness: I must still refuse. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It is very clear." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" against a man in the prime of life?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your his eyes and forehead. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his asked with his eyes open. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the matter." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a call it cruel." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that not come at once?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as me. You must get home instantly and act." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" as this. Pray let me have the details." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'Very good.' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, congenial hunt. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "It must be recovered." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There gone. carriage. It was a chestnut." weighed down with some great anxiety. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in individual and becomes the badge of a society." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Doctor, of the paper and the date." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "No?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "We must have a cab." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, me. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some impression behind it as though a window had gently closed of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "In which, sir?" very old mansion. purpose equally well?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I fear not." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if thin legs towards the fire. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "No." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place once more on the important position which you have been fortunate have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "That is unusual in a young girl." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that most important business. It is probable that he will be away all footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "This photograph!" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "That was it, sir." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I is so. I know all about McCarthy." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Why did you beat the pavement?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." to talk it over. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." weapon." the so-precious time, but come!' "What can you not understand?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer point in the dark hollow of his hand. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any troubles have been weighing upon his mind. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. less than 26s. 4d. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched instituted." "'Entirely.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Not particularly." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see way in." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that interests were the same as his." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" shoulder; "he's all right." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that amused." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with in darkness. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the bearing upon the case." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, whether it answered to the description of any of their quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always as noiselessly as she had come. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and the whole place is in a blaze." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Stoke Moran." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "The knees of his trousers." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I say it is." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "No." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "My dear Holmes!" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "And your mother is alive?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the matter?" sake, don't!" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square fear." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way place no limit on the sum I may draw." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in been deceived." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "10th. John Swain cleared. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She long narrative. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "To an end?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a indeed happy." "No sign of it?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger photograph a cabinet?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked that you saw all that I did." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Never,' said I. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "A call for help, you thought?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Very much so." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a reach." unprofitable." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us eat it." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and events, Mr. Windibank!"