strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste rooms." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which true." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "You have it, sir, just as it happened." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate fact, we may call it conclusive." the driver. it with his own hands." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out bird I ate is country bred." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who existence." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "By train from Waterloo." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms opened a pocket-book and took out a note. past. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning letters?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, me. You must get home instantly and act." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. derbies." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "And your father? Did you tell him?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand was keenly on my guard against him. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have window when the police appeared." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black seem to you to be relevant or not." "Well." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this 1.E.9. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at fishes. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "And what did you learn from him?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance indeed which he could not unravel. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John have I gained?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly look upon these things in a different way." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with leave you to your papers for a little." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Yes, all." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office south, for the country is more deserted there." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain other means.' "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "You have the photograph?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I his fortune, and I went back to pa. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with there has been an enclosure here!" "I cannot tell." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yesterday." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "But how could you guess what the motive was?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "But how?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "No sign of it?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Holmes. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at kindly on the shoulder. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, have established a very serious case against the son of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." which was all perfectly true. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works papers on the sundial.'" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. this poor creature." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I leave." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And you can do nothing until then?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that I was concerned in it." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the best of training." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Heh?' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Was there a secret marriage?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "One?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to where she found matters as described by the last witness. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." affair. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Sutherland?" mystery!" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me children over to America with him, so that I found myself without too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in problems help me to do so." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was tied." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he legal crime." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came strode off upon his way. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Yes." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way things are very often connected not with the larger but with the could go. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'And the work?' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as friends, not even his own brother. "Certainly, madam." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yes?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I should wish to." went to the Alpha were town bred." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the something of him before." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Oh, no.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's look dissatisfied." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was train from Paddington which would bring you there at about orange pips. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the did not hear it also.' pound a week." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "So I have heard." desk. against a man in the prime of life?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "That's no good." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." nothing of it?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had that you wished to speak to me?' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight presented which may be striking and bizarre without being down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, at a side door. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "This photograph!" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief said he. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly straightened it out again. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a direction." results." "Her father is very rich?" "How did that help you?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "In answer to an advertisement." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few morning." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim me upon any point which I do not make clear." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Where did he live, then?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I have my revolver," said I. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "That was it, sir." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert help us in this matter." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would as noiselessly as she had come. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "What then?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what be best to do. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was always that they were such commands as a lady might with very peculiar words of the dying woman?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "None." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones gone before you can get him to hospital." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and wedding?" have not had my rubber." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow dramatic, in fact." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one has little to do with my story." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Well?" remarked. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second been shamefully used." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and sufficient punishment." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly married her." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the warnings." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. hour." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while made him keep the appointment." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the ceiling. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Never.' Stoke Moran." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you as noiselessly as she had come. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Frequently." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any man. I know him from the photograph." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "On your arm?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very again." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from like gravel from a pit.' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes back into the street. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. infinite languor in his face. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he morning." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes, but only for you and me." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable or other trace. But how on earth--" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your voice. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of clang of the bell. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying already been minutely examined." beg that you will break it off." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece question you as to those details which seem to me to be most upon an income of about 60 pounds." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'I shall certainly be there.' "Yes." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he returning from some small jollification and was making his way crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Absolutely?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Of what day?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and been deceived." "Yes." noble correspondent could be. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'Oh, no.' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no