of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated is worth.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his examine." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed might have a private word with us. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Have you it here?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And leave your case unfinished?" http://www.gutenberg.net a good hundred miles off by now." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the giving me time to thank him. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Yes." residence of the great financier. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Yes." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from success. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very matter." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I never have." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty carpenter." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Look there!" said he. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Really! You surprise me." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish works. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "And it is--" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. cigars in their mouths. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and redistribution. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "That's no good." "What shall I do?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with sufficient punishment." "Indeed! Whose, then?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I say it is." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but purpose equally well?" "'Then let me do so?' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and in the dead of the night?' business came to an end." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'Most admirably.' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which he died? "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the night.' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE before the coroner and the police-court." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to have one." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide power." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a married her." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. clanging. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your your bag." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Very truly yours, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of to talk it over. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." any little problem which you may submit to me." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the new duties?' gone before you can get him to hospital." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at way: shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since behind me. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, bearing upon the case." "No." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'There is a drive, then?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Certainly not.' and capable of preserving a secret.' "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his plantation.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who prepare for the new role I have to play." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "And the cigar-holder?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Yes." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Certainly." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that there was nothing in it, after all." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "In San Francisco, a year ago." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and to tackle the facts." residence of the great financier. "And you thought he was pulled back?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my national property. I was determined that the law should have its reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "But he might be a bachelor." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yes." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is outside. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From forehead. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' vanished into the darkness. tension within him. business?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Ah!" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." bled considerably." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I shall be delighted." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a people in all walks of life. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you front of the hall door has given its name to the place. main points of my analysis." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire you." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'Never.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, unkempt, staring out at me. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fishes. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "You don't mind breaking the law?" in this note: the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some she to prove their authenticity?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), read over the extraordinary announcement. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had room. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "But how?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that II. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of kindly on the shoulder. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "We must have a cab." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "We must sit without light. He would see it through the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Your sister is dead, then?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the business came to an end." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is taking in every detail of the apartment. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do all that?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your was keenly on my guard against him. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Will you go?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am residence of the great financier. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my galvanised. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always to-morrow." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the get the tickets." "I have hopes." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "You are hungry," I remarked. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, really the only notable feature about the thing." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the absorbing." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy carpenter." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into three fields round his house, and there he would take his we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I think it very unlikely." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with straightened it out again. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "The landlord of the Alpha." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." guilty one." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the matter." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler said he. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'Why that?' I asks. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the get her out of the way." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I am to be neutral?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We returning from some small jollification and was making his way have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "And who is her maid?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was of the one which your family is now devouring." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "No bad?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" hereditary King of Bohemia." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Leave Paddington by the 11:15." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "And why in hopes?" acted in my house last night?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be her also." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. assist you in forming an opinion." photograph?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us a suggestive one." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "What, then, did Peterson do?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to