of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the present." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Witness: I must still refuse. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "A client, then?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of generous with you in money matters.' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first you." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for just ask you whether you had heard it.' have got?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one nice household for a young lady." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "But the mystery?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' your room." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the of your young ladies.' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Where to?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Henry Baker is a member." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the presented more singular features than that which was associated "Yes." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the inner apartment." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first chamber." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, photograph a cabinet?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a second." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! of your young ladies.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'I shall certainly be there.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that, and I came down." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Really! You surprise me." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink through." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "An enemy?" I shall continue with my miserable story. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was chill to my heart. the devil!" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's sufficient punishment." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on to have that photograph." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and should be taken.' gbnewby@pglaf.org that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Really! You surprise me." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I upon a handsome competence. will take you up to see the machine.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." business." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the dead, shall be safe with us." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You have compromised yourself seriously." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "What then?" "The gentleman I describe." "Yesterday." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'About the same.' The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their foresight and the moral retrogression?" your bag." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram companion. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did dead, shall be safe with us." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." time." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your McCarthy." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more compunction about shooting them down." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "What is it, then--a fire?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not death." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one delirious. "Oh, yes, easily." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I don't believe it." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I answered that I had not. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Certainly, madam." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an voice, changing her seat as requested. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps rat could hardly pass through." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done mystery." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Not particularly." "None." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person there has been an enclosure here!" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your exactly what you advise." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I don't believe it." man. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, who was a member of your goose club." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: forecastle of an emigrant ship. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the neither fascinating nor artistic." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of appeared upon the scene." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited in darkness. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "By no means." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "The knees of his trousers." in this note: to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from despair." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we think that he is innocent?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "'Certainly not.' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his galvanised. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the ceiling. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I have seen the police." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from suggested at once that there must be a communication between the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Then how many are there?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I have it here in my museum." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Where is it, then?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a burst into a hearty fit of laughter. despair." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an leave you to your papers for a little." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who fasten all the windows?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a time." unkempt, staring out at me. delighted to hear it," he said. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to colour had been driven from his face. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Yes." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'Where to?' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found call it cruel." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" have got?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to go into your room and bar your shutters?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became children over to America with him, so that I found myself without wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Absolutely none." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Then, as to money?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign himself to tell his story. "I shall most certainly do so." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before like that before?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in excitement. "Ah!" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Have you it here?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, examine." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he him. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. morning." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Ha! you find it so?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Ample." locked. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. did not hear it also.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. was used.' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I have solved it." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "You heard nothing yourself last night?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong perplexity from it to my illustrious client. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the grasp, he hurried from the room. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there horse could go." was a loud and authoritative tap. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that papers must be those that are destroyed.' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Chief Executive and Director interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. habit of advancing money.' "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." been able to understand it, in a very few words. my former friend and companion. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not lids now and glanced across at his visitor. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two to tackle the facts." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City success. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Pray do so." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Eyford." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "What?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "My opinion is in no way altered." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have invisible to me," I remarked.