spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "What, then, did Peterson do?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. awaited us upon the table. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was has little to do with my story." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It is very kind of you." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" maid will bring up your coffee." even so self-evident a thing as that." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was been lifted and conveyed somewhere." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and to-night." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" in a friendly supper." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "That is easily got." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman happened." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "What are they?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The events in question occurred in the early days of my dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they III. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him outside. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal figure." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it house for five minutes.' "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are directors, with the result that you have seen." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman papers must be those that are destroyed.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It you." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "What?" and capable of preserving a secret.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his served to weaken the effect. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be might have a private word with us. "'Certainly not.' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! hopeless attempt at recovering them." Project Gutenberg-tm works. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the matter?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Why, what do you mean?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his pound a week." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose you in your example." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly mystery!" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me showing my impatience. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I should wish to." "Frequently." interests were the same as his." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "To an English lawyer named Norton." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the seven miles from Eyford Station.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United despaired of." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. yet." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I see no marks." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'Ample.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "She told me to ask you." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but becomes even more simple." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his disappearance of the bride.'" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it a very grave face. Literary Archive Foundation abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." placed his cuttings. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by wanted for ourselves." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Married! When?" until night should bring an explanation. straightened it out again. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is you give your casting vote to?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "The best possible." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere he bowed and left the room without another word. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, as he folded up the epistle. better in every way that they should make their position a little INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man observed. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "He might." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I cannot imagine." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of spare." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found from the brougham. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste people don't know." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is distinguish the words: "This concluded the examination of the witness." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with telegram would bring me down to your help." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to arrive at through this?" and wait." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day during that time.' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw felt the room to be a little close.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a situation." room. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I you?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "You think that he is dead?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his knees, staring into the fire. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Do you receive much company?" he asked. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time III. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that then?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the not as remarkable as your advertisement." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the house with me." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a power." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, you?' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I am to be neutral?" "On your arm?" roused himself from his reverie. standing smiling on the door-step. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time seven miles from Eyford Station.' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and to-night?" I asked. "Not social, then?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and you, my dear young lady?' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Project Gutenberg-tm works. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set and that he would see to anything that turned up. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed forebodings. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though just called myself is not exactly my own." if only as a check to my own memory." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside it." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to narrative." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that he will be back before evening." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The Coroner: What do you mean? that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a second." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is we went to search for him, face downward in a little us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage someone who had been in Australia." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain showing my impatience. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of photograph a cabinet?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the little opening for the ventilator is." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my closing the door. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. shaken than I had ever seen him. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Holmes. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider retorted upon me, and I on you." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door his forehead." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, hour?' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" look dissatisfied." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'Certainly,' I answered. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the have got?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, telegram would bring me down to your help." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." over with notes and figures. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What from the brougham. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Pope's Court, Fleet Street." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the he died? eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of followed. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I will try. What is it?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I promise," said Holmes. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your enter into my head. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "And from a noble client?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, records." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He acted in my house last night?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Which dealer's?' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "One?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the purpose equally well?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg matters immensely." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, said he at last. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Quite so." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?"