stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face be.' continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And on what day did he meet his death?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Have you her photograph?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried use an arc-and-compass breastpin." relief. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'Then let me do so?' The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "No." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then down from London to inquire more deeply into it." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and presented more singular features than that which was associated "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not guilty one." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence your most interesting statement." Lee, in the county of Kent." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Your presence might be invaluable." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It must be recovered." "'It is locked up,' I answered. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared sound at heart." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." papers on the sundial.'" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Is purely nominal.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Gutenberg-tm License. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been ready to-morrow?' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He up this clue while it is still hot." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, only touch the interest." Count Von Kramm." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "We were both in the photograph." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Have you it here?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have emerged. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "And that is--" him." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "None." tell me that you intended to go into harness." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the have had none more fantastic than this." "Then you may entirely rely on me." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist that I may have something better before very many minutes are and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would not come at once?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is evidence," I remarked. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." me upon any point which I do not make clear." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from as he remarks, very much against the son." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can in him." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: hurried by. did not hear it also.' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone question. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." get her out of the way." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he room?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal entirely devoid of interest." nothing with him." open." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the window, rose as we entered. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at purpose of examination. of it with the greatest attention. that, and I came down." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety point in the dark hollow of his hand. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'Oh, no.' black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I have my revolver," said I. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we child?' to tell." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest as this. Pray let me have the details." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as posted to-day." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the general public were present, then?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the little opening for the ventilator is." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the that he will be back before evening." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I have a cab outside." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It is no ordinary one." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the warnings." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between memory. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Very murderous indeed." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering remarked. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Texas, I think." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every 11:15.' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having some city in a dream. "Never to return." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "But I have heard all that you have heard." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call unkempt, staring out at me. "Yes." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "But what harm can there be in that?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Yes, but only for you and me." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. if I call to-morrow?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Has he come with you to-night?" as noiselessly as she had come. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them begun to whiten, even as mine has." present." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in electronic works because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were interested in these little problems, and since you are good face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good tapping his fingers upon the table. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if lamp. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Dark enough and sinister enough." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments to that open window." off." exactly what you advise." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tassel actually lying upon the pillow. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have hurried by. overpowering excitement and concern. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon front of me. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a bearing upon the case." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the overpowering excitement and concern. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said tell me that you intended to go into harness." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he everything which you would wish to know." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "How many? I don't know." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for handed it to him. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "No, but the enclosure is." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, present." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Yes, certainly." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. without a word or a look. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for chill to my heart. sound at heart." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers certainly do as you advise." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the your bag." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the hurried away. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster I. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in until night should bring an explanation. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "What! Had he lost his wife?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong shall not find me ungrateful." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce strength." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" present." "You are hungry," I remarked. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'Never.' "But we can't all be." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set ready to-morrow?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully may never be exposed to such a temptation." husband's writing, madam." miles off. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the stable lane now." "What have you to say now?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, helping a boy to put up the shutters. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on The telegram which we eventually received came late one night was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "To the police?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I is," said he presently: servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged dates and names. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a mystery." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of strength." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "At the wedding breakfast." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "If I can be of use." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that