business." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not gbnewby@pglaf.org this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'Never.' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked pound a week." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I was certainly surprised to find you there." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" fatally injured? digesting their breakfasts at home." waste of energy." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of." four million human beings all jostling each other within the call for it in person on Monday morning.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Eyford." ceremony." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'About the same.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Yes." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Won't it ring?" "'Ten to two.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the upon the shelf for the interim." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" himself to hunt down. "'Most admirably.' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "You horrify me!" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this manager. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and thin legs towards the fire. electronic works in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "You did not overhear what they said?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you tail." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "A client, then?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Your sister is dead, then?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "So I have heard." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the nursery. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such My friend smiled. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not little adventures." outside." few hundred pounds.' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of come either from the window or the door. My attention was "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Holmes rather sternly. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being it with his own hands." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may my former friend and companion. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the night.' and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not union?" served to weaken the effect. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to a suggestive one." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady of it with the greatest attention. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the how narrow had been my escape. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Witness: I must still refuse. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to long narrative. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Just look it up, then." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of enough to aid us in our search." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'There is a drive, then?' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Of what?" "I cannot imagine." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. read over the extraordinary announcement. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his photograph?" read over the extraordinary announcement. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" is a common subject for conversation. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with His name is Francis Prosper." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms a very grave face. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired occurred." putting in the horse. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to stepfather?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I him. your room." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Well?" miles off. 1.F. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever be.' read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat been with you?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I never have." noble correspondent could be. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is from the brougham. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I would pay ten." "Was there a secret marriage?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "To ruin me." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down him, that man would not have given me such complete information little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack quite distinctive." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of the one which your family is now devouring." with some details as to your case." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Munro.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as second window is the one that I jumped from." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Pray do so." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since in this note: my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'Yes, sir.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I say that I have solved it." people don't know." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, window when the police appeared." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can to have that photograph." carried out of court." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the very morning of my second wedding." "But who is he?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked this poor creature." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking lamp in his hand. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil annoyance, but no jest. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, bonnet, and went out." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "The doctor?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" emerged. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Precisely." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. IS eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, there." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had behind me. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had better in every way that they should make their position a little figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had business?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "The gentleman I describe." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage my friend's incisive reasoning. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each like gravel from a pit.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I think that I could be of assistance to you." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our my friend's incisive reasoning. way in everything. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Precisely so. But how--" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that was lame." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: of this gang." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for have an American origin." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room furiously. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I seen the man in the road." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. someone who had been in Australia." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "The murder was done with it." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "It is to him that this trophy belongs." her also." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I indeed happy." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "She showed me, as I told you she would." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had should be taken.' some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "She walked into the breakfast-room." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, better grown goose." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Pray do so." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great believe that I should never have any practice at all. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "That also I could fathom." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." enough to aid us in our search." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. you?' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a papers on the sundial.'" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside have had none more fantastic than this." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's