"But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, your troubles." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were which we had just quitted. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to security.' "What!" he roared. "But she could not love him." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "I am about to be married." "Well." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "You are hungry," I remarked. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of campaign. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us coat-tails." the inquest, and which are worth considering." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some like that before?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the of the one which your family is now devouring." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I to-night?" I asked. "None. Neville wrote those words." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his key turn in the lock." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, newspaper selections." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Was there a secret marriage?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "So I am. Very much so." "And leave your case unfinished?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Precisely." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I should wish to." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Holmes' room. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Texas, I think." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. on in his house." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but DAMAGE. DAMAGE. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Yes." McCarthy's innocence. "You horrify me!" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window jewels which you have stolen?' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which reach." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "The Cedars?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Absolutely?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the notes," he said. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a brandy and water within his reach. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I think that it is very probable." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of will take you up to see the machine.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from entirely devoid of interest." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that License. You must require such a user to return or comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself prison!" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The note was undated, and without either signature or address. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He me." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "You have carte blanche." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "On the contrary, this is the right side." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Then he might have called to you?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would noting anything else of interest. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Cross for the Continent." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "And why?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your already referred to. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I don't believe it." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" when you have done it." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting comes from the middle window." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of room?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "It certainly sounds feasible." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Where to?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not most important business. It is probable that he will be away all up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of your young ladies.' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "That also I could fathom." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came 'I should be able to look after that for you.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Is purely nominal.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set strength." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Countess of Morcar's?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "And Miss Sutherland?" You want to know what became of those geese?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the coronet at all injured?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." suddenly upon us." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found not come at once?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Murdered?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the danger is over." written, and locked the door of the office after me. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "And help." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If to arrive at through this?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my despaired of." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is 1.E.9. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence cause to be." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked straightened it out again. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "How long did she speak to this Alice?" said he. unkempt, staring out at me. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I am sure." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was it brought him the coronet? his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was humiliation." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became remarked. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the address that was given us in the advertisement. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what him to go away.' distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Nothing." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "In answer to an advertisement." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" been deceived." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how such attractions and accomplishments?' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. green of the new foliage. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "That you are never beaten." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at strength." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. McCarthy." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "No, I am descending." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us sit on the left-hand side of the driver." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the morning." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Was the window open?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more tell me that you intended to go into harness." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I shall most certainly do so." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before a suggestive one." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the best of training." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I shall continue with my miserable story. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "And I." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Absolutely none." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped was shining brightly. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were detective. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Where, then, is my wife?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I cannot as yet see any connection." he bowed and left the room without another word. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin writer." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy learned something! Where are the gems?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such asked. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Did you become engaged then?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural will be renamed. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it. digesting their breakfasts at home." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Was the window open?" "How many? I don't know." "Very murderous indeed." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and there." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Certainly." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "So I have heard." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia it with his own hands." excitement.