mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Was your sister dressed?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'Where to?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I am in hopes that she does." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." I took the paper from him and read as follows: gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the side-table." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which are rolled in Rotterdam." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. walking." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" points to suicide?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and been with you?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double papers on the sundial.'" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that charge against him will break down." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back in him." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "At half-wages, in fact." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors go--none." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I am about to be married." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from mystery." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of a light. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Will you bet, then?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of been able to understand it, in a very few words. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the papers diligently of late, have you not?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Where does the thing come from?' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Absolutely none." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "At the wedding breakfast." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of papers diligently of late, have you not?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Yes." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day through." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we attention." "The Coroner: What do you mean? Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe status with the IRS. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his you understand?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See see a sister of mine apply for." "Yes, that is the Crown." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. are windows in it, of course?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately it." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "ARAT," I read. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "It looks newer than the other things?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional disturbance in my wife." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You think that he is dead?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant heavy and sharp instrument." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "It surprised me." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." questionable one." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. it means?" not come at once?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the certainly not very gracious." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of that you can jump it.' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "No, my brougham is waiting." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. noble correspondent could be. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "The Cedars?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less to take care of herself." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "But his left-handedness." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I approached. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I you?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "It is possible." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "What, then, did Peterson do?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my not personally threatened." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an may have an influence upon European history." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was will he say when he returns?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do that before taking the final step I should like to submit the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Stolen, then." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the matter?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a matter." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, late!' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I have come for advice." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of this gang." "At what time?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for which we had just quitted. "'Ten to two.' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Come in!" said he. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. before, for it was considerably after midnight. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my present." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Yes, he did." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to change my dress. round and wave him away like that.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of spark where all is dark to me." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by his fortune, and I went back to pa. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a quickly through a disagreeable task. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Stolen!' he cried. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably was not a bird to be seen there. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the strong and stiff." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "How did you trace it, then?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Awake, Watson?" he asked. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "It looks newer than the other things?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Miss Holder?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the writer." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a His name is Francis Prosper." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat made his money." "Where did you address your letters, then?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled The summons was a brief and urgent one. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the coronet in his hands?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Of Friday, June 19th." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Street. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future go from here to the Strand." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Was there a secret marriage?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "But how?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another point in the dark hollow of his hand. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. humiliation." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, remarked. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to interests were the same as his." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the go back?" to change my dress. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. plantation.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat way in." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an as he remarks, very much against the son." "I should wish to." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a may never be exposed to such a temptation." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the warnings." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "But you were on a friendly footing?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "He is still with you, I presume?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and gives a meaning to it." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "But we can't all be." you want, then?' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was shining brightly. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which where Mr. Fordham shows you.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "And why?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her foot. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is coat-tails." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Very. But will he see it?" just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "No. His orders were to stay in the house." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by will not take me long to tell. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "But I have heard all that you have heard."