didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of the vacancies.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "That is unusual in a young girl." one else, I think." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "And your father? Did you tell him?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You have but to name it." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "He disappeared so suddenly." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. if she died from some sudden fright." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I am armed." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the promised to bring home. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Of what?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Never." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Certainly not. But why?' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You are all wrong." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish mystery." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally derbies." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "And what did you learn from him?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case eavesdroppers?' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker father's place of business?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Then I shall certainly come." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout awkward doing business with an alias." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." golden eyeglasses. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the overpowering excitement and concern. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Literary Archive Foundation "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his grey eyes. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had pierced for earrings?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, helping a boy to put up the shutters. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil once more to my work. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Was he the only applicant?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Not in a good cause." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "There are none." is a common subject for conversation. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I shall continue with my miserable story. "It is very kind of you." have got?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution extraordinary contortions. some water from a caraffe. delighted to hear it," he said. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'Never,' said I. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "But she could not love him." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a were new raised from a basin. I think that I could be of assistance to you." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth present." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "ARAT," I read. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled before, for it was considerably after midnight. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Who was the criminal, then?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal this remarkable episode. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you stammered. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "No." dramatic, in fact." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the London for the present?" "Always." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "How do you know, then?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of happened." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "That you are never beaten." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have him." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You all that?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." back into the street. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You heard nothing yourself last night?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. to Leatherhead. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to where he stood hid behind the curtain. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, carpenter." "Then he might have called to you?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see criminal. We have already had experience of such." meant it for the best. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It late!' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'I shall certainly be there.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and wait." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make not come at once?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have could not account in any way for the presence of the missing said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But it has twice been burgled." "Why did you beat the pavement?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to you came in." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and matters immensely." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and official police." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. one which it was hard to resist. "And leave your case unfinished?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Serpentine Avenue. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that upon an income of about 60 pounds." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the of the way of danger. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Again Holmes raved in the air. occurred." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "He slept on the premises." "But he might be a bachelor." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that threaten you." "'There is a drive, then?' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" village inn over there?" some terrible trap for her." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "And I to find an enemy." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes you." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing so far?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." lost nothing by them." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" she to prove their authenticity?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over became a certainty. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and laid it on the table. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink third from London." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall shoulder. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I cannot as yet see any connection." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, pound a week." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "That you are never beaten." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and was already answered. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and roused himself from his reverie. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "But your client--" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. outside." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Yes. He waved his hands." "'Certainly not.' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, figure." of." "Very murderous indeed." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, examine." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. envelope. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." know all about it," he snarled. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great beg that you will break it off." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "And now?" He raised his hand. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the in his hands." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by fait accompli?" emerged. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass way in." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "BALLARAT." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the night.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of writing, and yet I know it well." the dangers which encompass me." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and hour." "You think so, too?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'I shall certainly be there.' foot. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the coroner come to?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge disappearance of the bride.'" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought