unprecedented a position." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle examine." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "How did you deduce the select?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. visitors." "But how?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, ventilator." Watson," he said cordially. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Can I be of assistance?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it been." "He is still with you, I presume?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I shall most certainly do so." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." front of me. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to investigation." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. with frightened eyes at his accuser. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "If so, much may have happened between." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin just ask you whether you had heard it.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a may have an influence upon European history." "But not more so than I to find you." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She people in all walks of life. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to could not have written that. It is the German who is so dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I have my revolver," said I. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in call the police, let the police find what they can.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work joking. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "It is a murder, then?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." "To the police?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer License. You must require such a user to return or "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." never to learn it at all." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. constraint." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come go--none." "My opinion is in no way altered." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the orange pips. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'And what are they worth?' I asked. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "BALLARAT." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Indeed! Whose, then?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that to me. know all about it," he snarled. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the matter?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come said he at last. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. in darkness. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my think that he is innocent?" I approached. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any this Miss Turner." one which it was hard to resist. Holmes rather sternly. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no even so self-evident a thing as that." "'How far from the body?' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "No." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'Oh, no.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "But you can know nothing of this?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel you came in." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "You forget that I know nothing about it." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "And it is--" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Have you her photograph?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You forget that I know nothing about it." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Frequently." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "But you can know nothing of this?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I will, Miss Turner." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then thought that she would have been so carried away." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that your sleep?' entirely devoid of interest." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'There is a drive, then?' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. retorted upon me, and I on you." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate knowledge of the world." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." standing smiling on the door-step. said he at last. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. sufficient punishment." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Yes, that is the Crown." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "It came here." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in darkness. "And for present expenses?" cigars in the box." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his with the outside air!" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to you do it in twenty minutes!' "What have you to say now?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "No legal papers or certificates?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I shall be delighted." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "What office?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." an introduction to him?" "Why did you pick him?" on re-entering her father's house?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress have an American origin." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "That is possible." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for in the dead of the night?' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "It is true that I have been generally successful." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Was your sister dressed?" hands. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "But of what society?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of her also." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did amused." "Precisely." "Do you know him?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his national property. I was determined that the law should have its Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I guessed as much." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in this note: "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Witness: I must still refuse. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "About a month then." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on made his money." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "And what did you see?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting here." question. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "When did she vanish, then?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I will get her to show me." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his attention." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Stolen, then." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "You have a clue?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Dirty?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "The doctor?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' green of the new foliage. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler forbidden door. "What do you mean?" was not a bird to be seen there. "Stoke Moran?" said he. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. joking. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is populous neighbourhood." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do strange features which were associated with the two crimes which cigars in their mouths. the station." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot his knees, staring into the fire. during that time.' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum highroad, where all traces were lost. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw in one or two places in England?' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the page at http://pglaf.org in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There wall." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Dr. Gregory B. Newby the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at lids now and glanced across at his visitor. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other at my own good fortune. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very new duties?' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Clair, of Lee." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day carried out of court." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the very morning of the wedding." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call future lives." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. might have a private word with us. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds heavy and sharp instrument." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Because he was handy and would come cheap." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are fear." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, observed. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon my special province." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran looking up at the numbers of the houses." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "And I say east," said my patient. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really States. "Then you may entirely rely on me." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the