money should be paid at once.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I think it very unlikely." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Doctor, of the paper and the date." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes, all." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Leave Paddington by the 11:15." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that call it cruel." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Sutherland?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Then what has happened to him?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Have you it here?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the and inquire as to the address." "What of the rat, then?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that retorted upon me, and I on you." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the running down." as the one I chose?' your sleep?' some terrible trap for her." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a cheerful." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "My dear Holmes!" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his notes," he said. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "But what is it you wish?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "My stepfather's business papers." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Have you her photograph?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast this man was intellectual?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "What, then, did Peterson do?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some During two years I have had three consultations and one small Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "The vanishing of the lady." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Stolen, then." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added in the hope of finding them." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "And what did you learn from him?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Here?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be chance." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their has little to do with my story." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The existence." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. name is different." you do it in twenty minutes!' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. house for five minutes.' all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a it were putty." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "I have hopes." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; if she died from some sudden fright." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be with you?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Well, but China?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, national property. I was determined that the law should have its Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we orange pips. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I status with the IRS. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local The telegram which we eventually received came late one night left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Nothing." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house character. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I never have." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I seen the man in the road." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "What! Had he lost his wife?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it once more. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "She told me to ask you." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'There is a drive, then?' everything which you would wish to know." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Of what day?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the very morning of the wedding." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage all that?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building been." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Why did you pick him?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "He might." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous during that time.' http://www.gutenberg.net "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now fasten all the windows?" Mrs. Toller serenely. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the matter?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "When did she vanish, then?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the lamp. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, dead, shall be safe with us." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you want, then?' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It is half-past ten now." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no said he. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the very letters. But what is this written above them?' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was a perfect sample of the class. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that bird of prey. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The landlord of the Alpha." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up have been better. It is all right." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It matter over." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I cannot say that I have." License. You must require such a user to return or money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" you give your casting vote to?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "If I can be of use." License. You must require such a user to return or all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "She told me to ask you." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a entirely devoid of interest." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional business came to an end." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a case before our client came into the room." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man skylight. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "But his lameness?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be better grown goose." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I cannot tell." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "BALLARAT." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, again on its way. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave morning." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and will be renamed. there is a decided draught." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small have had none more fantastic than this." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which public press." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside wall." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so you." humiliation." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "How are you getting on?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Never to return." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the excitement. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Her father is very rich?" the date of his supposed suicide." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "What, then?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Yes." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and seen the man in the road." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I cannot tell." What do you deduce from it?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And how have you succeeded?" Watson," he said cordially. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with was keenly on my guard against him. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I think that I could be of assistance to you." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Not I." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" indiscretion." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram I held the little printed slip to the light. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "He said too much." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Married! When?" happened." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'Certainly not. But why?' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his