their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "That sounds a little paradoxical." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its The police have openly confessed that they can at present make to take care of herself." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" awaited us upon the table. "'Entirely.' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "And I say east," said my patient. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Oh, no.' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning gone before you can get him to hospital." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Yes, but only for you and me." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly frequently gained my first real insight into the character of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that matter." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and it." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort fishes. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" page at http://pglaf.org thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag head. So long, then!" into the room. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his is worth.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, have one." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to daring than any effort of the imagination." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his even of instruction." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else politicians who had been sent down from the North. not within a twentieth part of the market price." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "What will you do, then?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among knowledge of the world." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed 1.F. soul! here is her carriage at the door." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to change my dress. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" DAMAGE. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. good for you to do.' which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Dark enough and sinister enough." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the into the room. "And help." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the investigation." six. Come in!" head. So long, then!" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been waste of energy." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with chemical work which was so dear to him. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed do you make of it all?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some fuss that is made over them." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and nice household for a young lady." Watson," he said cordially. This is what he says: "'Certainly not. But why?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and on re-entering her father's house?" were wasted." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if I leave." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the roots. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow there in twenty minutes." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at have an American origin." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off acquaintance?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "By no means." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads little adventures." "And your father? Did you tell him?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I off." himself to hunt down. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and business." "I would pay ten." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before mystery may be cleared along those lines." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that http://www.gutenberg.net from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "The King of Scandinavia." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself beyond words. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since over part of the map. "What do you read?" weapon." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best for the market.' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you bedroom door." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the forehead. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes examination of the premises, but without finding anything which anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Yes." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be me." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening legal crime." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." noble correspondent could be. handed it to him. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in which we had just quitted. "I am to be neutral?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which before, for it was considerably after midnight. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all about here speaks of his kindness to him." "He might." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Nothing." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to bird I ate is country bred." door?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "To an end?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up an introduction to him?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a opportunities to fix the problem. said he at last. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had attention." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what certainly not very gracious." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Stoke Moran?" said he. "That is unusual in a young girl." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found room. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of hard-headed British jury." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure there in twenty minutes." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Holmes' room. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the that you can jump it.' what do you think they found in the pockets?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the driver. stammered. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and written. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his had this final quarrel? The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "The knees of his trousers." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See my secret was safe in his possession. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "You will not go there first?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the suddenly upon us." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "But how could you guess what the motive was?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in there is a decided draught." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief your most interesting statement." "Well, it is a possible supposition." salesman. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of For additional contact information: "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, His smile broadened. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I in him." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." upon an income of about 60 pounds." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not never will be, entirely cleared up. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg tension within him. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the have had none more fantastic than this." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "In the cells." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg way in." future lives." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us him and tried to hold him back. "Was your sister dressed?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." guilty one." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'What do you call purely nominal?' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Pool. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "And how did he make his money?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, as the one I chose?' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding delighted to hear it," he said. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and was used.' mystery!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and chance." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean dead, shall be safe with us." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to persecution?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Most admirably.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "If so, much may have happened between." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked in his hands." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all were wasted." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing mysterious end." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that it right.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to observed. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out would then never go into court at all." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed gone. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Come in!" said Holmes. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the what is your own theory as to what took place?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have The summons was a brief and urgent one. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the to arrive at through this?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And help." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "How many? I don't know." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We now. It seems that there had been some informality about their here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Was he the only applicant?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Your sister is dead, then?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would absorbing." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an